Setting up Shop
The last few months have been an exciting time for
Dreadnought. At the end of last spring I made the decision to relocate the
business and began a search for new premises. Initially I was uncertain as to
exactly what form these premises would take. My ideal scenario was always to
find a shop space above which I could live. However it appeared more likely
that a lock-up of some sort would have to be the first step. I was keeping my
options open as to the exact destination of the move, but had Bristol and Cardiff
at the top of the list.
The larger local customer base on offer in a city was a
significant factor, as was my desire to live in a more exciting environment. I
was also keen not to move too far from Abergavenny as I had built up a series
of good book buying and selling contacts in the area that I was reluctant to
loose.
Preliminary searching suggested that a shop premises with
living accommodation may be as financially viable as a lock-up. Whilst costs
would be higher, with a bit more effort, the extra sales capacity could make up
for it. My personal desire to run a bookshop was also a factor in channeling my search in this direction.
It was on the Bristol City Council website where I was to
find the premises from which I now write this piece. Whilst it was still very
early days in my search it seemed like it had some potential. I was also quite
keen on the idea of having the Council as my landlords, reckoning they may be
more sympathetic toward small businesses than a purely commercial operation.
As such I arranged to pay a visit to 125 St. Georges Rd,
Hotwells, to check the place out. I’d seen a picture of the shop front but was
unsure what to expect of its internal state. I feared it would be rather more
dilapidated than turned out to be the case. This fear was heightened by the
fact that the premises were advertised as open to rental offers, with no
indication as to their necessary magnitude. I was rather taken aback then to
discover the place to be in rather good shape, with considerable recent works
having been done. For the entirety of the viewing I was trying not to get too
excited by the prospect of setting up there as in many ways it seemed ideal,
but I was fearful it would be rather beyond my means. My enquiry as to the
region of expected offers left me more hopeful. I was also pleased to hear that
the property would be allocated based on suitability and viability rather than
to the highest bidder. I consequently returned home for some serious business
planning, and cobbled together my proposal, more in hope than expectation. I
knew I was in competition with two others for the lease but had no idea as to
the nature or trade of my competitors. I focused on hyping the suitability of a
second-hand bookshop for the area. With antiques and retro fashion outlets in
the local vicinity it seemed to be a good fit. I also played up the minimal
number of second-hand bookshops in Bristol for a city of its size in the hope
that these factors may compensate for what I anticipated may be a lower cash
offer than my competitors.
And I waited. The longer I did so the less hope I pinned on
the place. To the point where, when a response did come I was expecting
rejection. This only made me all the more excited when I opened the letter to
discover that despite my offer being the lowest of the three it had been
accepted.
I then entered a period of frantic preparation. Everyday
seemed to bring a new challenge. It was hard going and frustrating at times,
with some unexpected financial burdens incurred. But at no point did I regret
taking the plunge. There was a somewhat protracted period where it seemed as if
I had an unending list of tasks to complete, many of which I was unable to
really get going on whilst the lease was still being drawn up. But finally, on
October 1st, the day came where I was to take up the lease and I
could finally begin to put all my planning into action.
This brought yet more new tasks. I have done more D.I.Y. in
the past month and a half than in the entirety of my life prior to taking up
the shop. It’s not my natural forte but in the context of the wider project it
was enjoyable. The act of making the space my own was a unique experience and
seeing the transformation through has been the source of great satisfaction.
During this time I received a lot of support and assistance
from friends and family for which I am very grateful. Whether it was donating
furniture, building shelves, painting, transporting loads of books or just
providing support and advice there are many without whom I would not have been able
to reach the point I am at now. I don’t want to reel off a list of names, but I
must give a special mention to my parents whose support has been invaluable to
launching Dreadnought in shop form.
There is still much work to be done. The walls are still
looking somewhat bare and my shop front signage is still in preparation. I am
refraining from posting pictures of the front until this work is done, but
there are a couple of internal pictures to give an idea of the space. Despite
this I was able to open for the first time on Tuesday 19th November
and have had a very encouraging first week. With some additional promotion I am
confident of a bright future.
I am also excited to be living in Bristol, a city which
seems to have a lot of interest to offer. Whilst I've yet to have a great deal
of time to explore my new surroundings, I have already been made to feel very
welcome by my neighbouring shopkeepers and passing locals, delighted to see a
bookshop in the area.
So if you happen to be in Bristol please come down to say
hello and browse the stock. I’m at 125 St. Georges Rd., Hotwells, BS1 5UW, just
a short walk from the City Centre. I hope to offer a welcoming environment to
book enthusiasts of all stripes.
