Market Place Books in Kendal to close after 47 years of trade

Market Place Books, on 106 Highgate in Kendal, will close its doors for the final time at the end of June, owners announced.

It comes as a result of structural issues relating to the prices of books and stamps affecting card sales, an increase in online competition and drop of passing trade football since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Christian bookstore first opened on 35 Market Place in Kendal in June 1977 before relocating to Highgate in October 2020.

Books and cards are now on special offer in an ‘everything must go sale’.

Shop manager, Matt Severn said: “The bookshop is closing as the break clause in our lease which allows us to exit our lease early is this year.

“The financial reserves of the charity that operates the shop have reduced to a point where we can no longer continue past this year.

“Our regular customers and local churches have continued to use and support us strongly but unfortunately it is now time to bring this season to a close.

“Instead of being sad we celebrate everything that has been achieved since we began in 1977, especially reopening in our new location at 106 Highgate after the pandemic in October 2020.

“It was a massive effort to survive that, rebuild in a new premises and enjoy three more years of trading and conversations.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported us, especially all of our amazing volunteers both past and present.”

“We encourage everyone to pop in, stock up and save.”

The store is open Tuesday – Friday between the hours of 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and on Saturday between 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.

You can also purchase books online by clicking here https://marketplacebooks.org/shop/