Congratulations to The Ivybridge Bookshop!

The Ivybridge Bookshop in Devon has been announced as the winner of the National Book Tokens Newcomer of the Year 2022, now in its third year. This award is given to new bookshops based on how they've welcomed National Book Tokens customers – whether those choosing new books to buy with their National Book Tokens or those looking to buy National Book Tokens for their favourite readers – to their bookshop during their first year of trading.

The announcement comes as National Book Tokens reveals that in December 2021 independent booksellers in the UK sold a higher value of National Book Tokens gift cards than ever before, driven by bookseller initiatives, a growth in overall store numbers, and the enduring popularity of National Book Tokens amongst independent bookshop customers.

Alex de Berry, M.D. of National Book Tokens, said, "The Ivybridge Bookshop's beautifully creative window displays, knowledgeable hand selling, and welcoming environment has quickly made them a highly valued addition to the Ivybridge high street. The overall growth in independent bookshop sales in the final quarter of 2021 is clear testament to the strength of the sector and the vital role bookshops play as cornerstones of their communities."

Matt and Wynnie from The Ivybridge Bookshop have won a trophy as well as a champagne hamper to share with the whole team – congratulations!

"We have had a fun first year with The Ivybridge Bookshop, becoming part of the local community and high street, and National Book Tokens have been an integral part of the business. From gift purchases to prizes, and a local primary school purchasing a gift card for each of their teachers to encourage exploring new reading, plus promotions during Independent Bookshop Week and beyond, National Book Tokens have really given us a boost. We are very happy to receive the Newcomer of the Year Award." – Matt Steele and Wynnie Ng, Owners of The Ivybridge Bookshop (with bookshop dog Bumblebee)

Darling Reads in West Yorkshire and Maldon Books in Essex were joint winners of the National Book Tokens Newcomer of the Year 2021. 

Darling Reads opened its doors in July 2020, and Maldon Books in December 2019. After an incredibly tough year, the number of people opening new bookshops actually increased, which speaks volumes about their appeal and importance to the book industry and the local high street. As a result, it was impossible to pick just one winner; for a new business to find new customers and establish itself in the heart of its community in 2020 was an incredible feat.

"We're absolutely over the moon to have won this award from National Book Tokens. We've worked really hard over the past few months to establish ourselves in our local community and, despite everything, continue to supply our wonderful customers with books. This feels like real validation of that, and the team at National Book Tokens (and the Booksellers Association) have been so supportive and helpful while we have been finding our feet in this industry." – Asher Woolford and Laura Iveson from Darling Reads

"We're over the moon to be sharing this award with Darling Reads. Opening a bookshop in such a difficult and uncertain year has had its challenges, but our customers and the local community have continually kept us going, and for that we will always be grateful. The support we have received has been phenomenal, and we're so thankful to everyone who has shown us such kindness from the very beginning and throughout the ups and downs of 2020. National Book Tokens are such a wonderful gift for book lovers, and it's been a pleasure to help our customers choose a book to purchase with theirs. We can't wait to see them and open our doors again." – Olivia Rosenthall, owner of Maldon Books