Bookseller/Mayor Expands Business Amid Contracting Local Economy

His Honor, mayor of Three Rivers, Michigan (population 7,500), and owner of the town's eponymous Lowry's Books and More, is also the new owner of a bookstore in Sturges, Michigan, 22 miles away. The new Lowry's, formerly a 40-year-old Read-Mor store, is half as big as the 4,000-square-foot Three Rivers store in the larger, more affluent town. As proprietors of the Three Rivers store for more than nine years and now a one-month-old store, Mayor Tom and Susan Lowry are working hard to keep all their pins in the air.

Like Lowry's first run for mayor seven years ago, buying the second store was unplanned, but, in both cases, he sensed an opportunity that might not surface again. Since recent interest rates were favorable and the owners were ready to sell, the Lowrys took on the new store despite an uncertain economy and a "soft Christmas season so far."

The store was refurbished with a new coat of paint and an improved layout, greatly increasing the space allocated to books and making room for a selection of high quality toys and games. As in the Three Rivers store, there will be a permanent display of Book Sense 76 titles. "It [the 76 display] really makes a difference in sales," Lowry told BTW.

Both stores front on main streets in traditional downtown shopping districts. "I would only have stores in a downtown area. But downtown businesses in both towns are struggling, and it's a challenge to maintain them," Lowry said. He has co-existed with a nearby Wal-Mart as well as Meijer Thrifty Acres, a regional discount store.

But Lowry decided early on that he could not make a living in Three Rivers just selling new books. He developed used and rare book sections, and recently he added toys, including many items that sell for under $5. "We have a BookSense.com Web site," Lowry told BTW. "It's a marketing tool -- it does bring in traffic. Amazon has conditioned people to have a level of expectation for a Web presence."

As mayor, maintaining a healthy downtown business climate is a high priority for Lowry. "Really, I don't have a lot of power," said the four-term mayor. "The day-to-day business of the city is handled by the city manager, and there are six elected commissioners who also vote." He noted that "right now there are no hot button issues." There are, however, differences of opinion. "For example, do you use tax incentives? Growth is often at the edge of our city … it must become part of the city. People may fight me, but I'll always listen. Being in the store everyday means I am always available," he said.

Both jobs give Tom Lowry some sleepless nights, "Fortunately, [there are] not too many nights when they're both on my mind," he said. "Being a small business owner is a challenge. On our door, we have a notice about Book Sense and how it links booksellers to their communities. I very much believe in community involvement. Participating in the city government is one important way I can do that." -- Nomi Schwartz