Southampton bookshop saved by customers

Southampton independent bookseller October Books has been saved from closure following an outpouring of public support, reports The Bookseller (21.05).

The cooperative-run bookshop appealed to customers to help it raise £6,000 to renew its lease or face imminent closure after 37 years of business.

Ian Lemming, who works in the shop, said that after hearing of its plight, customers travelled for miles to buy a book, donate money to the business or agree a loan just one week after the appeal launched on Facebook.

“Customers are saying they don’t want to lose their independent bookshop,” said Lemming, “and there is also a lot of hostility towards Amazon around.”