Independent bookshops: reports of their death are greatly exaggerated
In a guest post, Joanne May explains why the opening of her conservative-focused bookshop matters and argues that bookshops have an enduring power, even in our digital age.
In an era where screens dominate and algorithms curate our reading lists, the humble bookshop remains a defiant bastion of human connection and intellectual discovery. Bookshops are more than retail spaces; they are cultural lighthouses, guiding us through the storm of information overload to the shores of meaningful ideas. As I open my new shop – Oldspeak Bookshop, an independent, conservative-focused venture in Long Melford, Suffolk – we’re reminded why these spaces remain vital in 2025.
The decline of physical bookshops has been mourned for decades, with chain stores and independents alike battered by online giants and e-readers. Statistics from The Booksellers Association show that the number of independent booksellers fell from 1,894 in 1995 to just 967 in 2021. Yet, more recent reports show a surprising resilience: independent bookshops in the UK bounced back to 1,053 in 2024, a testament to their enduring appeal. Why? Because bookshops offer what digital platforms cannot: a tactile, curated and communal experience. The scent of paper, the serendipity of a spine catching your eye, the quiet hum of like-minded readers: these are the intangibles that keep bookshops alive.
Oldspeak Bookshop embodies this spirit, with a bold twist. Britain’s only explicitly conservative bookshop, it aims to carve out a space for ideas often sidelined in mainstream publishing. Named after George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four term for unfiltered, traditional language, Oldspeak offers a curated selection of works that champion free thought, classical values and intellectual rigor. From Edmund Burke to Roger Scruton, from forgotten literary gems to contemporary voices challenging cultural orthodoxy, Oldspeak seeks to be a haven for readers who feel alienated by the state of modern discourse.
Why does this matter? Bookshops like Oldspeak are not just about selling books; they’re about curating ideas. In a polarised world, where algorithms feed us echo chambers and ‘cancel culture’ narrows debate, a bookshop dedicated to a specific worldview – conservative or otherwise – offers a counterpoint. It’s a place to wrestle with ideas, not just consume them. The importance of such spaces lies in their ability to foster dialogue, even (or especially) when it’s uncomfortable. Oldspeak’s mission isn’t to exclude, but to include voices that might otherwise be drowned out, inviting readers to engage critically with tradition, liberty and heritage.
Beyond ideas, bookshops are community hubs. Reports, like one from Arts Council England in 2024, show that local, independent bookshops boost civic engagement, drawing diverse crowds for author talks, book clubs and debates. Oldspeak plans to lean into this, hosting events with writers, historians and thinkers who share its ethos. Picture a cozy evening in a market town, discussing the merits of Chesterton over a glass of wine, or a lively debate on free speech with a rising conservative author. These moments build bonds that no online retailer can replicate.
Moreover, bookshops are economic and cultural anchors. The Booksellers Association notes that independents contribute significantly to local economies, employing staff and supporting nearby businesses. Oldspeak, by planting roots in Britain’s literary landscape, will do more than sell books – it will signal a commitment to preserving intellectual diversity. In a nation where bookshops like Waterstones and Daunt thrive on broad appeal, Oldspeak’s niche focus fills a gap, offering a space where conservative readers can find their intellectual home without wading through ideologically skewed recommendations.
The digital age hasn’t killed bookshops; it’s forced them to evolve. Oldspeak’s arrival underscores this adaptability, blending tradition with purpose. It’s not about rejecting modernity, but about grounding it in enduring principles. As independent bookshops continue to defy the odds, they remind us that ideas – whether conservative, radical, or anything in between – thrive best when shared in person, on shelves curated by passionate booksellers.
Oldspeak Bookshop, with a fresh perspective, is a bold step forward. It’s a call to readers to step away from screens, pick up a book, and rediscover the joy of ideas that challenge and inspire. In 2025, as bookshops remain beacons of culture and community, Oldspeak stands ready to light its own flame – one page at a time.
Joanne May is owner of Oldspeak Bookshop, Ringers Yard, Rear of 9 Hall Street, Long Melford, CO10 9JF, Suffolk, UK. Visit the Oldspeak Bookshop website.
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