The Holt Bookshop to close after 15 years

The Holt Bookshop in North Norfolk is closing after 15 years as a result of escalating annual costs and online competition, which will soon leave the Georgian market town without an independent bookseller.

Owner David Makinson confirmed he would not be renewing the shop’s lease in July 2020, saying it had become “an endless uphill struggle” with business rates and rents combined costing him £65,000 a year.

Makinson told The Bookseller the store’s loyal customers were “upset” by its imminent closure, which is anticipated to take place in the next three to four months. Although he had enjoyed his time as a bookseller, he said it was “tough” and he felt unable to compete against online booksellers such as Amazon.

"Between business rates and rents, annual costs are now £65,000 a year, which for an independent bookshop is really enormous. I imagine I will end up handing the shop back to the landlord [as] I think it is extremely unlikely we can find anybody else who would take it on at that rent [about £44,000] and expect to survive," said Makinson. "So what we are trying to do is to find someone who is interested in setting up a shop elsewhere in Holt that economically might be more viable... We have a large loyal following and people have been rather upset, understandably. I think our customers would hope that in some way Holt can sustain a bookshop, even if it's not in the current premises."

Commenting on the challenging conditions for the UK's high street, Makinson continued that rents and rates "just have to realistic".

He said: "Bookselling, so far as I know, isn't a hugely profitable industry and I just feel that has to be recognised. I certainly feel the competition from Amazon is pretty unfair... I'm convinced they must be selling at a loss in many instances. It's tough. You want to do it, you want to for your customers, but sometimes it just feels like an endless uphill struggle to keep the thing going. I've enjoyed it very much but I just feel it is the right time to retire–I don't want to die behind the counter one day!"

Makinson, a former journalist who will be retiring aged 73, revealed plans for his retirement include travel and spending more time seeing friends that are scattered around.

The shop also has another full-time member of staff who has been with the shop since it first opened in July 2005. Her plans are as yet unfixed but, alongside other part-timers, is understood to be keen to see another independent bookshop open in the town with hopes to remain in the book trade.

Enquiries about the sale of The Holt Bookshop can be directed to sales@holtbookshop.co.uk.