New independent bookshop opens on Gosport’s Stoke Road
Chapter One offers new and pre-loved books of all genres
A lifelong bookworm has turned her dream into reality with the opening of Chapter One, a new independent bookshop in Gosport.
Summer Spencer opened Chapter One on Stoke Road on October 26, which stocks both new and pre-loved books of all genres.
She said: “About a year ago I was chatting with some friends and we were discussing what careers we would love to do and my first thought was that I would love to have my very own little book shop for all things bookish. I've always enjoyed buying, reading and being around books.
“As a teen I worked for a short period in JB books on Stoke Road which was a great shop. I bought some of my most treasured books from there. The bookshop idea stayed with me, grew and developed into a business plan which developed into Chapter One bookshop.
“I specifically chose to open the shop in Gosport as I have lived and worked in Gosport most of my life, I think there's a great community here which I hope our shop can contribute to. I love Stoke Road especially as it is a real hive of independent businesses each with something special to offer.
“I had some help along the way through Gosport council's free business support scheme with Incuhive, who assisted with business planning and practical tips. This is very much a family venture with some support from my brother, and from my mum who you will also see working in the shop from time to time.”
Ms Spencer has said that the shop has been very well received by Gosport customers. “Since opening last week, the shop has been really busy, we've had such a friendly welcome, met some absolutely lovely customers and all the Stoke Road traders have been very welcoming,” she said.
“Customers here have very eclectic book tastes, our top selling books have been our beautifully bound sprayed edge classic books, spy family manga and the Dungeon Crawler Carl series.
“We've had a lot of interest in our dyslexia friendly adult editions and there's been a big demand for the preloved books which we absolutely love! Books are made to be read and loved over and over again.”
Ms Spencer hopes to launch events in the shop soon, including book related sessions and meet and greets with authors.
“We're super excited to get to work with local authors, artists and independent businesses from the area to promote the fantastic homegrown talents we have,” she said.