Celebrating Independent Bookstore Day
Today, August 29th, marks the annual observance of Independent Bookstore Day. Independent Bookstores have had a very difficult year, facing challenges never before encountered. The so-called "new normal" is not the most conducive environment for retail stores of any kind, but Independent Bookstores pivoted to meet the adversity in creative and inspiring ways. Industry organizations and patrons joined forces to support Independent Bookstores and show how vital they are to our communities. From grassroot campaigns to curbside pickup services, creative solutions emerged over the last six months that show an uncommon resilience. Today is for celebrating that vim and vigor, to show the steadfastness of our commitment to keeping Independent Bookstores alive and well.
iheartbookstores has observed that one of the things that helped Independent Bookstores to weather the cavalcade of unfortunate events that 2020 has flung at them is diversity. If you consider Independent Bookstores from the perspective of diversity of ethnicity, political slant, religion or sexual orientation, you'll not have much trouble finding one that serves your particular niche. But, iheartbookstores would like to consider the strength of diversity through a slightly different lens - diversification. This is the first in a series of pieces highlighting the unique, and sometimes humorous ways, that Independent Bookstores have diversified to hedge their bets and survive to fight another day.
Independent Bookstores across the United States have taken up some sidelines that might surprise you. Does your muffler & brake shop also offer duck decoys? Probably not. Does your preferred purveyor of baked goods also sell guns & ammo. That's doubtful. As iheartbookstores combed the landscape for Independent Bookstores, some unusual pairings with books came to light. And, believe it or not, duck decoys, firearms and ammunition are among them.
Hunting Rig Books, Neenah, WI
The first stop on today's diversification tour is Neenah, Wisconsin, home of Hunting Rig Books. Not content with focusing solely on books for the sporting crowd, this bookstore also offers duck decoys. While they do not appear to operate an open shop, they are frequent exhibitors at decoy and sporting collectible shows around the upper Midwest and also ply their trade on eBay. Interestingly, Hunting Rig Books seems to approached their diversification from the opposite direction, having added books as the sideline to their decoy and hunting collectibles business.
Our next stop has both books and blueberries to offer. If you have a hankering for fresh picked blueberries you can do that and shop for used and rare books at Russell's Blueberries & Book Barn in Freeland, Michigan. This bookstores' commitment to diversification is clearly evident from their Mission Statement: "a veteran-owned and operated family farm offering high quality fresh blueberries, blueberry products, and hard-to-find used books." Although their Book Barn is currently closed due to COVID, you can still head over for pick-your-own blueberries. Better hurry though, because Independent Bookstore Day is also the last day of their 2020 season. Check out their Facebook page for up-to-date details on their Book Barn.
Acme Sales & Books, Savannah, GA
Our last stop for the day takes us to Savannah, Georgia for one of iheartbookstores' favorite examples of diversification. Acme Sales & Books was founded as a lawn equipment sales and service business and added books as a sideline. The founder's son continues to operate as a general stock used bookstore today. While it isn't clear if mower repair is still offered, Acme does offer pest control products according to their website. Their storefront has been updated since the picture below was taken. The flavor of their Facebook page is a bit different, focusing more on comic books.
There are many more examples of bookstore diversification to share with you in the near future. Celebrate the diversity in your community by paying a visit to your local Independent Bookstore and tell iheartbookstores how your favorite bookstore has diversified to survive the strange new world of 2020. Above all, don't let Independent Bookstore Day 2020 pass without supporting them with your patronage.