Edge of the World Books, Penzance: Full Fit Out

Edge of the World Bookshop Ltd., Market Jew Street, Penzance

A full fit out & relocation project for a growing business

The Edge of the World Bookshop in Penzance is an award-winning independent retailer of books, frequently hosting author signings and readings from some of the best authors in the UK. When James and Rachel spoke to us about a full fit-out, they were already in advanced talks with their landlord, with plans to move into a larger premises just two doors down from their existing shop.

“It was an absolute pleasure working with RRW Shopfitters when fitting out our new shop. They were always honest, flexible and reliable and the work they did was of the highest quality on a very reasonable budget. They worked closely with us on the design and layout of the shop and were instrumental in making it one of the best independent bookshops in the UK. The RRW team worked alongside our team during the final week of fitting and they all were professional, friendly and courteous. Cannot recommend this company highly enough.”

— James Howorth, co-founder, Edge of the World Books Ltd

Future-proofing a growing business

The new premises offered James and Rachel a much larger space to display books, but it needed significant remodelling inside. The dated kitchen had to be ripped out to make way for a stockroom, internal partition walls needed to be removed and a modern kitchenette had to be installed for staff use. The shop had some great frontage, but new display units needed to be manufactured to match the window space. The shop also needed new electrics, heating and lighting installed.

We studied the new site carefully, listened closely to James and Rachel’s business plan and offered suggestions that, based on our experience, could maximise their earning potential without blowing the budget.

Recycling display units to keep costs controlled

Rachel and James had already spent significant money on their display units at the old shop, but luckily the proximity of their new premises meant that we were able to recycle most of it in the new site. As soon as we had completed the bare-bones redecoration of the new premises and installed the new flooring, we dismantled and rebuilt the units in their new home, manufacturing additional units in the same style to fill the extra space. We were also able to use a pre-existing shop counter, simply extending it and re-cladding it to make it look brand new.

A smooth migration that left the old premises ready for new tenants

The old shop had undergone some customisation over the years, and all of these customisations needed to be undone before the keys to the old shop could be handed back to the landlord. We reinstated the original layout and features of the old shop, which meant that Rachel and James could hand it back in perfect condition, ready for their new neighbours.

A unique project for a unique client

To run a successful local independent business, It takes imagination, guts and commercial talent — qualities that the Edge of the World team have in spades. It was a privilege to work alongside these local entrepreneurs and to help them get their business ready for the next chapter.

 

Client: edgeoftheworldbookshop.co.uk

 

Project Details:

  • Display Units
  • Oak veneered MDF – adjustable shelving
  • Counter – new solid wood worktop and oak veneered counter front.
  • Slatwall installed
  • Flooring – Karndean ®