An independent bookshop in Penrith has reached the finals of a national competition — not for novels but for its greetings cards.
The Hedgehog Bookshop, on Little Dockray, has been shortlisted in the Retas Awards scheme in the category for best independent book store retailing greetings cards.
They are the only awards in the UK which celebrate greeting card retailing, with the winners to be announced at the Grosvenor Hotel, London, on July 6. As one of the final six, Hedgehog Bookshop is up against finalists from South London, Dorset, Hertfordshire, North Yorkshire and South West London.
Delighted owner Evonne Pearson and her husband Irving, now of Blencow, took on the business in 2017.
Mum-of-two Evonne said: “We don’t know who has nominated us but to say I was shocked was an understatement. I am really, really pleased. All I knew was that we had been nominated and then I received an email to say we’d got in the final six, so to be in the finals is great.”
Her selection ranges from biodegradable cards made entirely from consumer waste which are embedded with wild flowers and seeds and printed with vegan-friendly ink to award-winning bespoke cards; 3D pop-ups; scenic views of the Lake District; illustrated cards; and an extensive selection for children.
Evonne, originally from Little Salkeld, said: “I’m particular about our greetings cards. I like them to be different and I like to offer things other people have not got. We have locals and visitors who come here just for the cards. I like a nice card that’s completely different.
“A lot of meaning goes into cards and whenever I choose one I always think that it will suit someone in particular. We go twice a year to buy and get new cards to keep things fresh and new.”
Despite tough times on the high street and in the book industry, Evonne added: “There’s a lot of people out there who want to support independent businesses and we’ve got some fantastic independent shops in Penrith to visit.
“We’ve noticed people coming from further afield like Carlisle, because there’s us but also lots of other independent shops in Penrith, and they can come and make a day of it.”
Staff at the shop include Helen Williams and Evonne’s sister Jill Maughan. Avid readers of the shop’s extensive range of children’s literature include Evonne and Irving’s children, Lilia, aged 13, and 11-year-old Isaac.
