Bookshop is tipped for title

Sep 7 2010 By Gavin McInally

A POPULAR Paisley book store is writing another successful chapter in its long history after being nominated for a prestigious award.

Abbey Books, in Well Street, has been selected as a finalist in the Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2010.

Organised by recruitment and PR firm Creative Oceanic, the award winners will be announced at a glitzy ceremony taking place on Friday at Glasgow's Thistle Hotel.

The awards aim to recognise small businesses which play an important part within their community.

And George Bell, 62, who owns Abbey Books, admits he was surprised to learn the store had been nominated for a gong.

He told the Paisley Daily Express: "I didn't know anything about it until I got a call saying the store had been nominated and it was now a finalist.

"Although Abbey Books has been part of Paisley for years, I've only been running the store for the past 20 months but it's nice that the business is getting some recognition."

Organisers of the Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2010 are keen to highlight the value of independent retailers to the communities they operate within.

They also want to showcase the diversity that can be found within the industry, as well as recognising and rewarding the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen which lies behind thriving independent retailers.

Abbey Books is up against Aberdeen-based Books and Beans and The Old Town Bookshop in Edinburgh in the race for an award.

Irfan Younis, of Creative Oceanic, said: "The first Scottish Independent Retail Awards have undoubtedly captured the attention of the public.

"There has been fierce competition over the past months as Scotland chose its favourite independent retailers and the response in nominations has been phenomenal.

"We have received over 4,000 nominations and Creative Oceanic is thrilled to announce the shortlist of nominees.

"The talent amongst independent retailers in Scotland is incredible, so a big congratulations go to all those who were nominated."