Nicklin sells Dulwich Books to its current manager

The MILD Group, run by Susie Nicklin, has sold South London indie Dulwich Books to store manager Cathy Slater.

Nicklin acquired Dulwich Books from Sheila O’Reilly in 2015, adding it to a portfolio with The Marsh Agency, and later The Indigo Press and live event series Livelit. Slater joined the bookshop as manager in 2016, after working in a number of publishing sales roles.

Nicklin said: “Owning the shop has proved to be the perfect introduction to understanding the retail sector. For now I’m focussing on developing The Indigo Press, although the four elements of licensing, live events, publishing and retail remain key pillars of the MILD Group’s future.” She added: “Cathy’s dexterity in bookselling alongside her publishing experience has made her a real asset to the store. It has been a privilege to be the custodian of such a well-loved local landmark for the past four years and I wish Cathy all the best for the future.”

Slater said Dulwich Books was a “wonderful” bookshop and she was “proud and pleased” to be its new owner. “Despite well-documented challenges in the retail sector, turnover is up for the year and our loyal customers and suppliers give me confidence for its continued success,” she added.

Dulwich Books will continue as key retail partner to MILD’s Livelit programme, the company said.