Books / Bookshops
Experienced bookseller to open new bookshop
Tom Robinson has been working towards opening a bookshop of his own for the last two and a half years.
The wait is almost over, with Gloucester Road Books due to open in April in a former florist next to Pawson’s greengrocers. and has n
Tom, 41, who lives in Eastville, says that he has “always enjoyed bookselling, but more and more over the years I have felt that I would like to do things a little differently”.
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He said: “was absolutely thrilled to find a space on Gloucester Road. I think it really is an ideal place for an independent bookshop to thrive.
“This is a pretty nervy time to be starting a new business of any kind, but the response so far from the local community has been incredibly supportive.”
Gloucester Road Books is due to open in April – photo: Martin Booth
Tom has spent a lot of time working in the building over the past months, prizing up old linoleum and making more than 100 metres of shelves.
“Lots of people have stopped to say hello and wish me luck, so I’m really excited to get the doors open and welcome people in,” he says.
“The most important thing for Gloucester Road Books is that it be a fascinating place to explore.
“Some of the subject sections will be a little broader than they would be elsewhere – for instance ‘Time and Place’ will encompass books on History, Travel Literature, Geography and Reportage.
“I want to encourage people to browse as broadly as possible, and I hope that breaking down some of the ubiquitous subject distinctions will help facilitate that.
“There will also be a significant focus on titles published by small independent presses. There are lots of really brilliant small publishers putting out incredibly exciting books at the moment, and I want to help get these into readers hands.
“There will, of course, be plenty of the kinds of books you would expect to find in any good bookshop – Fiction, Non-Fiction, and a range of fantastic books for children of all ages.
“The stock will be carefully chosen and constantly changing, so even if you come in every week there will always be new books to find.”
Tom will be able to order books in for customers, many of which will be available for next-day delivery.
He also hopes – when regulations permit – to be able to start offering an events programme, including author talks and reading groups.
He added: “One of the things I love most about books is their ability to both entertain and challenge. I hope Gloucester Road Books will be able to do exactly that.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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