Reduced Traditional Book Shop In Ludlow For Sale

Business description

THE BUSINESS HAS BEEN REDUCED DRAMATICALLY AND IS NOW A BARGAIN. THE STOCK IS ALSO BEING OFFERED AT A REDUCED PRICE. IT WILL BE SOLD AT HALF THE RETAIL PRICE INSTEAD OF 70% OF RETAIL, GIVING AN EXTRA 20% PROFIT TO A PURCHASER

This long established business specialises in the sale of new books and around 9,000 titles are available. The business has been established for eighteen years and is a member of a buying group which enjoys generous discounts through T.H.E. wholesalers from whom books can be ordered and delivered on a daily basis, which eliminates the need for holding large quantities of each book in stock. Two other wholesalers are also used by the business.

A very small amount of other items are available in the shop, including calendars, greetings cards from one manufacturer only, speaking books and maps. The speaking books are increasing in popularity and are a good area for growth. DVDs have recently been introduced and are selling well, so more music related items could be added as there are no local shops offering them

There are virtually no competitors in the town, the only other independent book shops specialises in books that are now out of print and antique books, except one that combines books with Artists materials. There is no W. H. Smiths or Waterstone's in the town and only a small Tesco and Summerfield's there are no other major chains stores.

A big feature of this business is its school sales, it supplies several local schools and colleges with their educational books and this is regular on going business. It also benefits from the tourist trade and offers a good selection of local and national maps, but once tourists are in the shop, they appreciate the many and varied books on offer. Small town shops also have a valuable customer base in the locals because most residents like to support their town businesses and book sales are never ending. The range of children’s books is also extensive and this brings in the parents as well.

Anyone who likes books and wanted to increase on the current business would not only enjoy this attractive business but would also have several possible ways of increasing the turnover, including developing the sale of book tokens and increasing the range of talking books. There are also associated products that could be introduced such as stationery products and the retail floor area could be easily increased with some small alterations.

The claim of this business is that it supplies “new books for all of the family” and keeping to this promise has resulted in a loyal customer base that passes from parents to children.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold

Lease terms:

On a fully renewable lease with the rent fixed till 2012

Leasehold rent:

£Rent and rates £7,990 per annum

Location:

In a major shopping road very close to the town centre

Premises details:

Good location on a busy crossroads, one road leads to the town centre in one direction and to the supermarkets in the other. The road that crosses this road is a main shopping and through road

Business Operation

Expansion potential:

Several areas to expand

Competition / Market:

Very little locally

Reasons for selling:

The owner has nearly reached retirement age and wishes to retire now

Trading hours:

Mon to Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm could open on Sundays

Employees:

One person can operate this business

Years established:

Twenty

Other information

Support & training:

Any required

Inventory / Stock value:

£34,000

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