The number of independent bookshops in the UK have been declining in the past 10 years. Carys Thomas looks at new ways in which Gwent bookshops are bringing customers in.

THE book market has changed dramatically in the past few years with the growing popularity of e-books and devices such as Amazon’s Kindle. The number of independent bookshops in the UK last year was 939 according to the Booksellers Association.

Their figures show a decline in independent bookshops of more than 38 per cent since 2005 compared with an increase of five per cent in other booksellers who are members of the association.

In 2014, the number of booksellers were 4, 139 compared with 3,935 in 2005. Independent bookshops not only have to compete with high street shops but online retailers as well in particular online giants like Amazon.

IndieBound UK is Booksellers Association’s campaign for independent booksellers which includes Independent Bookshop Week which took place in June.

Gwent has a small number of independent shops who say they are doing well despite the decline in the UK.

One way in which independent shops are adapting is by making shops a hub where community groups and reading groups can use.

Rossiter Books based in Monmouth and Ross-On-Wye was set up by husband and wife team Andy and Victoria Rossiter. The Monmouth store on Church Street has been open since 2011.

Richard Thorne, 30, manager of Rossiter Books, said he believes independent bookshops are on the up.

He said: “From our point of view we are doing well. I think the general trend is starting to be more positive for independent bookshops. Shops are becoming more engaging and are doing a lot in the communities.”

He said Rossiter’s hold a lot of events which bring in customers including talks with authors. The bookshop also have strong links with art based groups in the area.

He said they pick the books very carefully for their target market and consider the bookshop as a ‘curated’ bookshop.

Mr Thorne said: “We know we can’t compete on the same level as Amazon – we can’t compete on price as we are a small business. We sell books at the retail price that the publishers have given and we add value in other ways such as authors giving talks with a chance to meet the authors.

“If that is not possible we can get signed copies of books – you can’t get signed copies online.”

The Monmouth shop currently holds 8,000 books and can hold up to 12,000.

Mr Thorne said: “We are busy especially this time of year. We have a nice stream of regular customers.

“For us customer service is important – all of our staff are book lovers and spend a lot of time talking to customers.”

Matt Taylor, owner of Chepstow Bookshop, said footfall has been steady in the past 10 years. The shop has been a new bookshop for 25 years and prior to that was a second-hand bookshop.

It’s previous name was Merlin’s Bookshop and was frequented by Harry Potter author J.K Rowling.

He said: “The high street in Chepstow feels as there is more of a buzz about it. With the new M and S coming to the town hopefully people will spend more time in Chepstow.”

Mr Taylor said: “The good thing about being an independent is that there is so may different things and ways you can do it.

“Independent bookshops have had to adapt – it is very different from 10 years ago. There needs to be so much energy and enthusiasm from staff to make it work.

“I go to independent bookshop conference each year where we share ideas. It’s amazing to see what other people are doing.”

Independent bookshops are introducing gift sections and cafes into the stores.

He said: “There are some challenges but we work really hard on our customer service and try to create an interest in the bookshop. We have lots people coming in to browse books they like the serendipity of finding a book that you never thought you wanted.”

He said they stock books in the chart as well as quirkier books. The bookshop hosts up to 70 events each year with authors ranging from local authors such as former Argus journalist Steven Howells to household names such as Sir David Attenborough.

Mr Taylor said they work hard on their events to attract the big names and have a close relationship with publishers.

He said e-books serve a purpose but many people still come in to buy physical books.

He said: “We spent a lot time on our phones and computers during the day it’s nice to emerge yourself in a book. Many people like the feel of a book to physically turn the pages.”

Community support is a big part of the success of independent bookshops.

Mr Taylor said: “People really want a bookshop in Chepstow. We get a lot of support locally.

“A community without a local bookshop would be a bit sad.”

Stella and Rose’s Books have been established for almost 25 years and are specialists in out-of-print and rare books. Stella Books based in Tintern specialises in children and illustrated books.

Sonia Bryant, a partner at Stella and Rose’s Books, said the business is growing year on year and remains profitable.

She said they were one of the first “out-of-print” bookshops to be on the internet even before Amazon existed.

She said: “Our business has had to change substantially over the years to meet a variety of new business challenges, Amazon being but one.

“It’s important to remember that there are a myriad of online booksellers not just Amazon. We do not and cannot compete at the 50p paperback end of the market and some years ago we decided to specialise further by removing lower priced items from our stock.”

Books from Stella & Rose are also listed on Amazon and other online retail sites such as ABE. They said their website is a huge advantage and many customers order online including oversees.

The business over its two bookshops in Tintern and Hay-On-Wye employs 10 members of staff.

Ms Bryant said: “It’s only perhaps five years ago that most small towns would have had a “second-hand bookshop”. These have all but disappeared further contributing to the desertification of the high street.

“Many of our customers want to browse physical books not virtual online stock; to touch and feel a real book and experience the serendipity of what they might find hidden on the shelf. So unsurprisingly, we think it is important for independent bookshops to continue in our towns.”

Tim Santon, head of web at Stella Books, said he said there is no one solution to help independent bookshops across the board.

He said: “I think they will probably need to be specialised to find their niche – what works for them. I think it’s a challenge for independent bookshops across the board.”

“Independent bookshops are absolutely important. It’s a great shame for the community to lose their bookshop because buying online isn’t the same – you don’t get the feel and see books.”