The Busy Community Spirit Shop Near Birmingham Struggles with Sales
Despite high footfall, Bear Bookshop in Bearwood faces challenges in converting visitors into sales
Bearwood, Birmingham, UK, Bookshop, Community, Independent Business
Bearwood: Jenny McCann runs Bear Bookshop, a beloved spot in the area. She recently hosted an American author, but foot traffic doesn’t always mean sales. “People think we’re thriving because the shop is busy, but it’s tough to keep an independent store going,” she shares.
Jenny’s shop has been around since 2020, and she manages it mostly on her own, aside from a part-time worker. It’s a lot of work, especially with community events that help build the shop’s reputation.
“We’re seeing more visitors, but they’re spending less,” she explains. Families with young kids often don’t have extra cash to spend. The holiday season was slow, which is common for many bookshops these days.
Jenny talks to other local businesses and finds they’re facing similar issues. Even bars see fewer orders, with patrons just asking for water. It’s a tough climate for small businesses, especially without support from larger chains.
“We don’t have the backing of a big company like Waterstones,” she says. Every penny counts, and she’s committed to reinvesting in the local community. “If we lose our independents, high streets will look the same everywhere,” she warns.
Some days, like snowy ones, the shop sees no customers at all. Jenny shares these realities on social media, keeping her customers informed about the challenges of running a small business.
“We do a lot of community outreach, offering free events so everyone can join in,” she says. “Our cheapest book is just £3 because we want to make reading accessible.”
Jenny emphasizes the importance of reading for kids. “It’s crucial for their academic success, more than private tutoring or schooling,” she notes. She encourages parents to read for pleasure with their children.
On a quiet snow day, one family came in for storytime but didn’t buy anything. “Some folks just come in to chat,” she adds. “It’s not just about sales; it’s about creating a warm community space.”
Bear Bookshop has earned a five-star rating on Google Reviews, a testament to its welcoming atmosphere. “We really are the best place for families to find books,” Jenny insists.
She acknowledges other shops like How Brave Is The Wren but feels many default to larger chains. “I take my kids to different bookshops to give them that experience,” she explains. “We’ve left Waterstones empty-handed before.”
Jenny believes her shop offers unique events and interactivity that larger stores lack. “We’re the most family-friendly place for kids’ books around here,” she says proudly.
Running the shop takes a lot of energy. “I have to give it my all every day,” she admits. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it to keep things going.”
Fortunately, Bearwood is a supportive community for small businesses. “It can feel lonely, but I have people to talk to,” she shares. “Our high street is thriving, but it’s hard to know how well independents are really doing.”
Bear Bookshop is located at 588 Bearwood Road, Bearwood, Smethwick, B66 4BW