'Local shops are the soul of town centres'
NEW to the town is Castlegate Books situated in the Market Place.
Owner, Gary Cooper opened the shop in December last year and he is keen to support the Keep It Local campaign.
Speaking to the Knaresborough Post, Gary said: “My goal is to provide an alternative to the big store chains and online retailers offering bestsellers alongside local authors titles and other interesting titles that you won't see elsewhere.
“I aim to create a place where customers feel comfortable browsing. There is a book ordering facility, a monthly newsletter, book tokens are accepted and sold here and our website/blog is now online.
“We also have framed 3D maps of the Yorkshire Dales and offer a ten per cent discount for senior citizens every Monday.
“As part of our initiative to support local good causes, we also sell a monthly quiz set by the Centre On Gracious Street Appeal (COGS) charity plus we are planning to sell tickets for local events in the near future.
“Customer feedback forms are offered and so far, feedback has been very positive.
“There are many new developments to come throughout the rest of 2009 including future book signings with one by Sarah Gibbs from Knaresborough - a local children's author and illustrator - whose first book 'Monsters Are...' has recently been published.
“I specifically want to support local authors and would encourage them to contact me about selling their books.”
When asked ‘why keep it local?’ Gary felt that independents can be tailored to the needs of the local community making them meeting places.
“Local shops help to give a town its identity, they are the soul of Britain's town centres,” he said. “Without them you are left with empty outlets which always reflects poorly.”
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Weather for Harrogate
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
