Darlington bookshop moves to new premises - first look inside

Footprints Christian Bookshop rented its premises on Skinnergate for 30 years, however, it has now moved down the street to a busy area that generally has more footfall.

The business now stands in a building that was occupied by William Hill Bookmakers.

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Although the bookshop has been on Skinnergate for 30 years, the business was established in 1962, meaning the move to new premises coincides with its 60th anniversary.

The shop sells Christian books and gifts including children’s books and Christening presents.

Footprints will be reopening this Thursday at 10:30am. Picture: AJA DODD

Back in December 2021, Sue Carpenter, who has been the shop manager at Footprints for over 20 years, said: “The move has been planned for a couple of years now, since before the first lockdown.

“The lease was coming to an end and we’ve been in this (the former) building for over 30 years.

“We were looking at places and nowhere really seemed that right or suitable, and some were just too expensive.

“We came across this old betting shop (William Hill Bookmakers on Skinnergate) and it was in a bit of a state.

“The upstairs was classed as derelict.

“We bought the building and about two and a half months ago we took ownership of it and started ripping it to pieces.

“It’s taken us two and a half months and we’ll be starting to move in the day after Boxing Day.”

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Sue did explain though that this move will mean they’re able to reach more people in Darlington.

“We’re a Christian bookshop so we’re basically an extension of the Church and because we’re going to be in a more densely populated area of the town with more footfall, especially opposite Taylor’s the Butchers, we're expecting to make more people aware of the gifts and products we provide and to connect with more people in the town.”

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“This new shop is so much better, it’s brighter and more airy and just more inviting to be honest.”

At the official reopening this Thursday at 10:30am, Mayor of Darlington Cyndi Hughes will be present, along with a book-signing from Christian author and humourist, Adrian Plass, and everyone is welcome.

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