Opening your own book shop might be a lofty daydream for some bookworms looking to escape their 9-5, but more and more people are making it a reality.
According to the Booksellers Association, the number of independent book shops in the UK and Ireland is now at its highest level since 2012, with 1,086 stores in 2025 – up from a record low of 867 in 2016.
But what is the reality of life as a small bookseller, competing with Amazon, finding new customers, and actually trying to make a profit?
Sally Flint, 57, opened The Book Stop in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, just six weeks ago.
So far, the “dream” move is living up to her expectations, but it has not been without its challenges.
“It’s brilliant. It’s just like it’s Christmas Day every day, because you’re just with other people who love books and love reading,” she says.
However, to make her dream possible, Sally is working up to 14 hours a day.
She describes her first foray into bookselling as a “steep learning curve”, but says she is having “lots of fun along the way”.