'Trade is at an all-time low' - Preston Market's second book trader closes down after 34 years
Preston Market has lost its second long-established book stall within weeks.
Pete Burns, who has run The Book Stop’s Here for 34 years has decided to cease trading “with immediate effect”.
Pete took to social media to explain the situation, claiming the move to the Old Fish Market had been “disasterous”.
He said: “My van broke down last Wednesday as I drove to the the Market and after consultation with my good friend and mechanic who has looked after all my vehicles, the decision has been made that it is too costly to repair.
“ have toyed over the last few days with the idea of replacing the van, or even using my private car and bringing less stock. However, trade is currently at an all time low, so low that it is totally not viable to spend any further money on vehicles.
“Despite my one day, long-time competitor leaving only a couple of months ago, and the free rent period the Council have provided, the move to the Old Fish Market has been disastrous. Trade had been steadily declining for years, but the speed it has crashed since the move has astounded me. Instead of it getting better week by week as customers found us, it’s actually got worse and worse and worse.
“A new low was hit two weeks ago when on a Friday, a nice dry winter’s day for the very first time in 34 years, I took less than what the Daily Toll should’ve been . I took £8.50 in three sales selling four books. No way could that trend continue without the extra costs of a new vehicle… Equally it’s not worth the hard work involved loading and unloading my private car at home for each market day.
“Obviously I’d have to bring far less and with the tiny amount I’d been selling from the full stall , it would be doubtlessly not worth all the effort. I’d like to thank each and every one of you who’s bought from my stall over these many years, I will miss those of you who still come and wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.”
Home delivery and meet ups
But to loyal customers, there is some good news. Pete is offering to do either home delivery or meet ups with customers who would still like to buy their books from himm as long as it is “a reasonable sale”. Anyone interested in this service is asked ot contact him on 07961990098 or to privately message him on the book stall’s Facebook account.
He has also urged people to continue supporting remaining traders at Preston Market.
Preston City Council
Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources at Preston City Council said: “I’d like to wish Pete all the best as he finishes trading at Preston Markets. Since 1991, his stall, The Book Stops Here, has been a familiar and valued part of the market. Pete’s knowledge and friendly approach have kept customers coming back for many years, and his presence will certainly be missed.
“This year has seen significant investment in the Harris Quarter, including the successful opening of Animate, the reopening of The Harris, and a range of festive events beneath the market canopy, such as Preston on Ice. These developments have helped to increase footfall in the area and strengthen the market’s role at the heart of our city.”