Farewell Ditchling Bookshop

It was a very brief love affair - one I enjoyed immensely, but I couldn't sustain the passion;) You know the type?

You can't stop thinking about them, they consume every waking thought, but within a short time you realise the reality of the thing is it's just not for you.

Well, I did it - I closed the bookshop.

It is no more!

I honestly thought my bookshop would do better, but simply could not afford to keep running it at a loss; within six months my bank account was empty and my customer base was non-existent. Granted I had a handful of regulars who did their best to support the project, but it simply was not enough. That, alongside, dwindling personal energy meant I had to cut my losses and bid farewell to my bookshop love affair.

What went wrong?

Well, firstly I needed a lot more money to keep stocking the shelves with interesting books, but with a mark up of 20% and very few sales, that was a struggle.

Secondly, location! It really wasn't a busy area and had no passing trade.

Third, it was just me by myself, trying to run a business and manage a home as a single parent - not impossible, but exhausting. That coupled with a serious family health scare meant all the JOY left the project - and as I said from the get-go, this project was all about JOY.

So, what did I learn from setting up a bookshop?

Well, like every project there is an immense sense of fun and achievement gained from creating something new especially a bookshop and new venue - just watching the faces that arrive in the space - I loved that part. By example, one of my favourite evenings was a live podcast recorded by Three Ravens, another was a witchy sewing group who gathered to sip tea and spin tales.

What else? Hmmm...this might surprise you, but learned I don't need to hold onto as many books and since closing I have whittled my personal book hoard down to two small bookshelves! I really have no desire to hold onto books, I love them ...but as they say, let the things you love 'go', no need to cling too tightly - especially to objects (or bookshops). One thing I will 'keep' though are the dear friends I have made and the new stories we are making together...

The moral?

For me it is 'DO that thing', the thing you really want to do?! Do it! The thing that lights you up? Try it!