A new independent bookshop promising ‘a step back in time, with a modern twist’ will open its doors in Stafford this weekend.
That Little Bookshop, which began as a pop-up at Dunelm in Stafford in 2024 as part of the retailer’s community support scheme, will welcome its first customers tomorrow (Saturday, August 30) after 12 weeks of renovations at the Tipping Street store.
Founder Cassie Gerrard, who previously worked in accountancy and complementary therapies, said opening the shop was the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
She said: “The time just felt right. I’d been looking for a new career for a few years and my thoughts kept returning to books. I have always been a book dragon, adding to my TBR [to be read] pile most weeks and I wanted to bring a new book shopping experience to the people of Staffordshire.
“Every town should have an independent bookshop that adds a personalised touch to book buying, and I hope to offer a warm welcome to our cosy corner of Stafford. Finding the right premises was paramount and so when this space became available, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dive in.”
The shop has been designed to blend old and new, and customers will find a ‘book bar’ for pre-ordering new releases, alongside a wide range of classics and contemporary titles and book-themed gifts. The reading room will also host workshops, book clubs and, in time, author events and signings.
Cassie said: “The shop is like a step back in time, with a modern twist. I wanted to ignite nostalgic memories of times past, with dark wood and antique furniture.
“Walking into the bookshop should be an experience that welcomes you with a warm hug and draws you into the cosy reading room, where you can sit with your book in the fireside armchairs for a little ‘me time’.”
Cassie said that physical bookshops play a vital role in communities and still have their place alongside online sellers.
She said: “Independent bookshops are important because they foster connection and act as an anchor in a community. Reading can often be seen as an isolating, introverted hobby, but many of us also like to pick up a book, feel the weight, look at the text size and the stunning artwork on the dust jackets and end-papers – you cannot do that if you buy online.
“In recent years, reading has become far more popular, thanks to people sharing their love of books online, so the two mediums can co-exist, but nothing will ever replace the experience a local bookshop can offer. Especially an independent bookshop, who can recommend a book based on genuine emotion, as opposed to an algorithm.
“I hope that I have been successful in delivering what I was personally looking for from an independent bookshop.”
The shop will be open on Saturday, 30 August, and Sunday, 31 August, from 10am to 4pm, and then from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Anyone who may be interested in possible future job opportunities at the shop should sign up for Cassie’s monthly newsletter via the shop’s website.
Can you please let us know where we can find The Little Bookshop in Stafford