The Bookseller.com

8th September 2008

Daunt offers for Pan Bookshop site

06.06.08 Graeme Neill

The Pan Bookshop could be resurrected by a familiar independent name after James Daunt made an offer to take over the building. Daunt, who runs four shops in London, stressed that it was "very early days" for any prospective deal. "It's like buying a house," he said. "Until the deal is done, there's a possibility it could drift away or you could be gazumped."

The building, on Fulham Road, is owned by Macmillan; the publisher blamed "tough market conditions" for its decision to close the shop in January after 32 years. In December, Waterstone's closed its Old Brompton Road branch.

Independent Crockatt & Powell opened a store on the road last month. Daunt dismissed fears that a tougher retailing climate could make the potential expansion a risky venture. "We will probably run a slightly different shop to the one that Pan ran and we are hoping we will fare a little bit better than they did. We are actually having a very nice time at the minute. Bookshops are doing well, you only have to look at Waterstone's results to see that. And that's because of the books being published. So long as the good ones are there, we will continue to sell them."

Updated 6th June, 08.30

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