Helena Halme Author

Nordic Fiction with a hint of Noir and Romance

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Join My Launch Crew
  • New Novel Sneak Peek
  • Contact me

Goodbye England’s Lane Books

July 15, 2012 by Helena Halme 1 Comment

On my return from holiday I got the sad news that the wonderful England’s Lane Books will be no more.

High rents and rates, other popular bookshops nearby and a low footfall, as well as the decline in sales of physical books all contributed to the decision to close down this locally loved independent bookshop. I will mourn it for a long time, not only for the wonderful time I had working there, but also for the changing times a closure like this signifies.

I myself use a Kindle to read many books now, and only really buy hardbacks or special editions of paper backs. So I can see how it’s no wonder small independent bookshops fail.

I do still harbour a dream that if an indy bookshop is in the right place (busy shopping street with no other bookshops around), and, if you combine book selling with a busy schedule of events, community projects and effective online (Twitter rules!) and a local marketing campaign, as well as possibly a coffee shop, the venture would succeed. Dream on, you may say.

Anyway, here’s a sad farewell to my favourite bookshop. The doors will close at the end of July. If you possibly can, go and visit England’s Lane Books before it goes. They are selling all the stock at huge discounts – you never know you might find that rare book you couldn’t get anywhere at England’s Lane for a pound!

But there is some good news. Even though England’s Lane Books will close, it’s sister shop, West End Lane Books is thriving. There you will find much of the similarly varied stock of books, and a large children’s section. They also run monthly book groups, have regular author readings and friendly and helpful staff. And it’s only a bus ride away from England’s Lane in West Hampstead.

Life and book selling goes on!

You may also like:

Default Thumbnail4 Ways to Get Your Book into Bookshops Default ThumbnailE-books in bookshops – whatever next? England’s Lane Books 20Booksto50K London

Comments

  1. Rose says

    July 25, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Oh I'm very sad to hear this, I've never been because it's not really in my area- I lived south east and now east- but i really do try and support local book shops and it's a real shame.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Free Story for my Readers Group only!

Read an Exclusive First Chapter

NEW

Find out more

new

View Book

Alliance of Independent Authors /

Free Exclusive Bonus Chapter

looking for the self publishing coach?

Follow me on Instagram

First time on the Elizabeth Line. #elizabethline First time on the Elizabeth Line. 
#elizabethline #londonlife #tube #farringdon
I’m into orange at the moment, I wonder why? 😄🧡📙
Five weeks to publication of AN ISLAND HEATWAVE today. 💃
https://mybook.to/AIH #linkinbio
What a lovely surprise! AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hi What a lovely surprise! 
AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hit #No1 on Amazon.💃
The novel is now on pre-order offer. 
https://mybook.to/AIH
Link also in bio. 😉🧡📙
It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Fe It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Feels a bit like home. 🥶🇫🇮🇬🇧
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Me On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Alliance of Independent Authors /

writing and publishing tips

Read Exclusive First Chapter

free exclusive bonus chapters

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in