Starting a new chapter, seasoned booksellers Rob and Barb Sheppard have opened a new independent bookshop in Stroud.
Fireside Bookshop can be found on Rowcroft after taking the space left vacated by a former hair salon.
Rob and Barb recently moved to Stroud to join their daughter Martha and her husband Ben and son Jed – making it a three-generational book-loving family.
Rob said: “Whilst online bookselling has grown greatly in popularity in recent years the family still consider having a space to buy and sell books in person to be a vital part of the business, as well as being essential to their enjoyment of the trade.
“Despite a comprehensive and growing online presence, a major focus of the business has always been curating and presenting shelves filled with high quality, interesting books on a wide range of subjects as well as fiction, plays and poetry.
“With over 20,000 books listed online to choose from, we work hard to ensure there is always an engaging and fresh selection in the shop itself.
“There are lots of personal touches and work by independent artists, many people comment on how Fireside feels like a perfect antidote to the impersonal world of online shopping or corporate chain stores.”
As well as selling books, the team are always interested in buying good quality books, from a handful of books to whole collections.
Over the years the team have organised many literary and music events and are keen to be involved with the vibrant local arts scene.
With backgrounds in music, literature and art promotion, production and community work, Ben and Martha in particular are keen to get to know and collaborate with other members of the community.
“We have been delighted to meet lots of different people doing exciting things in Stroud since we opened a couple of weeks ago,” said Barb.
“Being independent, original and part of a community has always been important to the family and was one of the things that drew us to Stroud having visited over the years.
“We’re looking forward to becoming part of Stroud’s excellent independent retail sector and getting to know its fantastic new community.”
Opening Times: Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm, but these will be extended soon.
www.firesidebookshop.co.uk info@firesidebookshop.co.uk
