Time to turn page for owner of Nairn's 'wonderful independent bookshop'
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A CHAPTER is closing for a stalwart of the Nairn literary scene after she took the decision to retire after almost 15 years.
Nairn Bookshop owner Mavis Macdonald has decided the time is right for her to turn the page and hand over the High Street business to new owners.
After taking up the reins in July 2009 Mrs Macdonald, who is now in her 70s, said she felt very privileged to have seen the shop gain such a good reputation both locally and across Scotland.
She said: “It’s a privilege to be known and have visitors come up year after year and tell you how pleased they are to find the shop still here.
“You realise how important the shop is for locals and visitors and you do the best for them.”
“A highlight for me and the staff was when we moved to the bigger premises in 2015. It was a gamble, but we were overwhelmed with the support received from our original cohort of customers and the new ones.”
That said she added: “I felt it was the right time to retire and take back some time for myself.
“Running a business means your brain has to be constantly thinking about it and it is very demanding.
“I will surely miss it but I think it’s time for some new people to come in and take the shop forward.”
The shop is being sold for around £17,000 to include goodwill, all fixtures and fittings and equipment plus stock at valuation (around £30,000).
New owners will also need to negotiate a new lease agreement with the building’s owner.
Mrs Macdonald said: “The shop is not closing and will still be there, but it’s important to get fresh blood coming in, taking it forward and doing other things.
“You have to be passionate to do it – you have to have an interest in books.
“But they also have to realise that there is a lot of work, it’s not all about just sitting in the shop and reading.”
More details about the sale are available on the bookshop’s website.
An outpouring of love and best wishes followed online in the wake of Mrs Macdonald’s announcement.
Tanera Bryden, creative coordinator of Nairn Book and Arts Festival, said: “Nairn Bookshop is a huge asset to Nairn, it’s a wonderful independent bookshop with an excellent reputation and Mavis and her team look after their customers brilliantly.
“The bookshop also has very close associations with Nairn Book and Arts Festival – the previous owner of Nairn Bookshop actually started the festival 20 years ago, and Mavis has been a huge supporter in many different ways, including managing book signing and sales at festival author events, hosting author and poetry events at the shop, and giving us some superb recommendations and contacts.
“Whoever buys the bookshop has big boots to fill, but it certainly is a fulfilling – and thriving – business to take on.”
Nairn BID manager Lucy Harding said: “Mavis truly deserves a long and happy retirement after so many years in the trade!
“We think this is an ideal opportunity for someone to buy a going concern on Nairn High street with a fantastic reputation and secure future.
“The new owners can look forward to having the full support of the business community of Nairn and Nairn BID.
“We believe Nairn has a thriving high street with a healthy outlook and will retain established businesses and attract new ones.”
