A bookstore which has been running for more than 17 years could be shutting down.

Mr Books in Tonbridge High Street is the town’s only independent bookstore and is struggling to stay open due to the cost of living crisis.

Phil Holden took over the store in 2017 and says it has been difficult to keep it running, even after investing more than £50,000 himself.

“I think the whole high street is quiet to be honest,” he said.

“Things have picked up slightly this financial year after a couple of years disrupted by the pandemic.

“For many months now we haven’t really been making enough money, and that’s how it stands at the moment.”

Mr Books sells a variety of children’s novels, quality fiction, local history, art, science and more.

They also hold live author events, as well as running a podcast called “Ideas in Writing”.

In April 2021, Phil revealed that the store had only made £3 in a single day, but at the time reassured customers they weren’t closing.

The 61-year-old from Medway now says a number of factors are to blame for the loss of sales – including the cost of living crisis.

“Energy and phone bills have increased a lot, so that has made a big difference,” Phil explained.

“People are spending less and going out shopping less. I think we are feeling that.

“When people can go online and believe they are getting a discount on a particular book, then they very often do that.”

He added: “Over the last few weeks we have gone through a Saturday with only half a dozen sales.

“I think we will see more empty shops, unless there’s a big change in the economy, which I can’t really see happening at the moment.

“Even a lot of big retailers are cutting back on their estate.”

As a result, Phil has created a GoFundMe page and took to social media, appealing to customers and local residents in order to try and keep afloat.

They are currently trying to raise £10,000 to allow the shop to continue for another year and potentially develop further.

He said: “I’ve been moved by the people who have donated. It’s humbling.

“From my point of view, I just have to make a sensible decision about how I want to spend my life and money.

“I started off with very high hopes, that we could make a difference, and to some extent we did – a lot of customers tell us that they like what we have done and enjoy coming in.

“I know of other retailers who have spent their whole lifetime running a shop and have very little at the end of it.

“I do have to be sensible, it can’t just be an expensive hobby.”

If you wish to add to the donations, please click here. All funds raised will help maintain the business.

The buildings’ lease ends in July, with the latest decision to be made at the end of May.

Phil has confirmed he is currently talking to a number of people who might take the shop over “in some way”.

Mr Books is open from 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday.

You can also order online from their website.