THE owner of a new discount bookstore said he was delighted to find a retail unit in the heart of Oxford city centre.
Jake Pumphrey is to open The Book Stop on Saturday in Magdalen Street, between Costa Coffee and the Randolph Hotel.
The shop selling discounted books for just a few pounds each will open on Saturday at 9am.
The store is the latest to be opened by Mr Pumphrey and Nick Walsh in the town.
Mr Pumphrey first opened a shop in Oxford in 1994.
Pumpkin Books occupied a busy site in Gloucester Green for several years.
Subsequently Mr Pumphrey and Mr Walsh created The Last Bookshop.
This has been based in a succession of temporary lets in Jericho and Oxford city centre including in New Inn Hall Street.
READ AGAIN: The bizarre requests made by Travelodge guests
It has now found a permanent home in Walton Street, where it has developed a reputation for quality second-hand stock. There is also a branch in Bristol.
Talking about his new city centre venture, Mr Pumphrey said: “The arrival of the Westgate has changed the face of Oxford city centre.
“We are now seeing more opportunities opening up for independents like us.
“I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of a regeneration and an environment in which small businesses can thrive.”
Mr Pumphrey added that the unit was previously occupied by a delicatessen before it closed.
He said: “It has been difficult in the past to get a unit in such a central location in Oxford - we have tried before.”
READ MORE: Home Bargains is set to open in Oxford
The bookseller added that a 10-year lease has been agreed.
He said: “There will be lots of discounted books on sale on the arts, humanities and history.”
The store will be open from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday.
It’s 10 years since American chain Borders closed 45 of its bookstores across the UK, including a branch in Magdalen Street.
READ MORE: Community larder opens in Blackbird Leys
The Book Stop is in a much smaller unit and will not sell such a wide range of titles but will be welcomed by book fans looking for discounts on arts titles. The opening follows the launch this week of Riverman Records, a new secondhand record shop in Walton Street.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel