A NEW independent bookshop in Stockton Town Centre has scooped a national award recognising its’ outstanding performance since opening at the Enterprise Arcade.
DRAKE – The Bookshop recently picked up the Independent Retailers Confederation ‘Shop of the Month’ award for November 2015, just a few months after opening.
Having recently expanded and currently occupying two units within the Enterprise Arcade, located at 35-37 Stockton High Street. DRAKE – The Bookshop stocks around 1200 titles for all ages and interests including local authors and local interest – as well as a range of dyslexia-friendly titles.
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “This award is further evidence that the Enterprise Arcade is a fantastic place for fledgling entrepreneurs to kick-start their business.
“The Enterprise Arcade is currently fully let and this is a strong vote of confidence in our rejuvenated Town Centre as a place to do business.
“Alongside this, the constantly growing range of cultural and sporting events, specialist markets, cafes, bars and restaurants in the area demonstrate that Stockton Borough is a fantastic place to live, work and play.”
Richard Drake, owner of DRAKE – The Bookshop, said: “Since opening in September we have been overwhelmed by the way the people of Stockton have championed our new venture.
“Visitors to the shop are excited and proud to have a new independent bookshop in the town. The support from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the Enterprise Arcade has really helped us get our new business off to a flying start.”
Richard’s inspiration to open the shop was fuelled by a love of books and a desire to share in the experience of customers choosing books and seeing their joy of reading.
The Enterprise Arcade, on Stockton High Street, is a 140 year old building now operating as a hub for independent shops ranging from clothing to milkshake bars and from art to collectables.
Offering support and space to new traders in a prominent position in the regenerated Stockton Town Centre, the Enterprise Arcade has already helped to create a number of robust and sustainable businesses.
For more information about Stockton’s Enterprise Arcade, visit www.rediscoverstockton.co.uk/enterprise-arcade
Visit DRAKE – The Bookshop at www.drakethebookshopblog.wordpress.com orwww.facebook.com/DRAKEBookshop
