Two Stockport bookshops nominated for prestigious award
Two Stockport bookshops have been nominated for a prestigious national award.
Serenity Booksellers (Based in Romiley and Stockport town centre) and Simply Books (based in Bramhall) are in the running for an 'Independent Bookshop of the Year' award.
It's a highly-contested category in the British Book Awards, which runs every year.
In this particular independent bookshop category, there are 72 nominees from across the country.
And it's an impressive showing for Stockport, as these two stores account for half of the entries from Greater Manchester - the other two being House of Books & Friends and Queer Lit, both of which are based in the city centre.
Chris and Kelly Willocks, co-founders of Serenity Booksellers, were 'elated' with the nomination.
"This would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful community in Romiley, and now Stockport", they said.
"Every day is a pleasure to inspire new favourite reads for our customers, so this nomination and any potential award is for them, to which we owe so much."
The pair opened their Romiley store in 2023, and their Stockport town centre shop later in 2024 - so it's impressive going to be nominated so quickly.
They've become popular with customers for their impressive selection, and their regular author talks.
It's similarly good news for Simply Books, which welcomed a new family of owners - Ben, Karen and Jess - in 2024.
This Bramhall favourite offers a wide range of books, plus a cafe, a wine bar, book club events, and more.
Co-owner Ben Johns said: "We are absolutely thrilled to become a finalist, particularly with us not yet having reached our first anniversary since taking over!
"The whole team have really gone above and beyond this year to make this happen, and we couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved.
"It is an honour to make the shortlist for such a prestigious award, especially alongside our fellows indies who are the lifeblood of bookselling in this country. What a great way to kick off what was already shaping up to be a fantastic 2025!"
Winners will be selected initially by region, then an overall winner will be chosen.
There are 10 entries in the 'North' region, including Serenity Booksellers and Simply Books. A winner will be announced in this region on 11 March.
An overall winner will be announced on 12 May in a glamorous ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
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