A BOOKSHOP in Stourport is closing its doors after experiencing a fall in trade.

The Stourport Emporium, in Lombard Street, which stocks books and gifts, will close in August, less than two years after it first opened around Christmas 2017.

Store owner Phil Richards, 66, says that unpredictable trade has led to the decision to close after a fall in customer numbers forced him to “face reality”.

Phil opened the Stourport store after relocating from the Bewdley Emporium, in Lax Lane, after three years.

Stourport Emporium stocks a host of unusual and niche titles, as well as music and art books, gifts and exclusive greeting cards.

Phil plans to continue to sell his stock online via Amazon, and will occasionally sell at markets.

He said: “The shop got off to a good start in the early months of last year, but started to tail off in the summer around the time of the World Cup.

“The problem is when people came I got a huge rate of people buying items, but there was not enough people coming in. Trade was unpredictable so I didn’t know what to expect and budget for.

“I’ve just had to face reality really, you can’t compete in a small town.

“I shall miss those customers a lot.”