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The oldest independent bookshop in the North West of England, Broadhursts, has closed
THE historic Broadhursts, in Southport, Merseyside, was the oldest independent bookshop in the North West of England and possibly the UK. Sadly, on 31 August 2024 the shop announced that it has to announce its permanent closure.
The shop was an amazing place to visit for both tourists and locals alike, with famous names including A-List celebrities often visiting this unique shop. Located on Market Street, in Southport's Town Center, the shop had 3 floors packed full of books, and over the winter it was heated with coal and wood log fires, giving it an amazing feel, and smell, that you can not get within modern bookshops. It was not just the atmosphere that was amazing, you could find nearly anything on any topic you wanted. Sometimes more than you can within a library! It had a varied selection of books of upwards of 50,000 titles on all subjects, stacked on shelves, tables and even on the floors, within 8 rooms, not including the ground floor! It had signed, inscribed, and limited editions by popular authors, for literature collectors of all ages. Some of them by signed by authors who had run book signing at the shop. Classic and modern first editions, private press books, along with 18th, 19th and 20th century prints and maps, plus lots more things connected to all things literature. It even had comics and magazines, within a dedicated room! With the passing of the shop's former owner Laurie Hardman, is family took over the shop and have tried to keep it going, but recently they had devastating news. When the closure was first announced, the family could not into the details of the closure. They made a simple post saying:- "We are incredibly sad to announce the permanent closure of Broadhursts. All the booksellers have been made redundant, and the shop will no longer be open for trading with immediate effect. To claim refunds on deposits and Broadhursts vouchers, please email:- Litereria@AOL.Com." This led to many customers offering to help keep the shop open, though running a crowdfund, but sadly the reason for its closure was not that simple. In an updated statement the current owners have said:- "The correct reason behind our the closure is that the property does not meet current electrical safety standards, with much wiring dating back to the 1930's. Sadly, we were unable to gain the legally required electrical safety certification that is needed to remain open. CK Broadhurst will continue trading in new and antiquarian books on a new online platform, whilst discussions concerning options for the Market Street site continue. As a member of the family, this is devastating for us all, however it is lack of maintenance, and health and safety issues dating back decades, has put us into this predicament. It was not the sudden change of ownership or a lack of sales." The family has added:- "Thank you for your kind comments about what the shop has meant to you all. For all of us, as owners and as booksellers, are devastated by the situation we are now in."  Related news reports on Southport Reporter can be located via clicking on:- here.
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