Around Indies

Buttonwood Marks 25 Years

On Saturday, October 26, Cohasset, Massachusetts’ Buttonwood Books and Toys, is marking its 25^th anniversary with a daylong celebration and in-store sale.

“I’m meeting kids who are now having children, who are coming in with their grandparents who are original customers,” co-owner Arna Lewis told Wicked Local Cohasset. “To see the continuity of families shopping in the store is a wonderful aspect of being in business.”

The store was founded by Betsey Detwiler, who retired this past summer but remains active in the business. Lewis, a retired teacher, now owns the store with Kathy Detwiler (Betsey’s daughter-in-law). The owners plan to have a special toast to Buttonwood’s founder during the anniversary celebration.

Of the store’s many loyal customers, Lewis said, “They’re the backbone of why we’re celebrating; they have been supporting Buttonwood throughout the years.”

Book Carriage Adapts to Changing Market

The Book Carriage & Coffee Shop, which opened in 2008 in Roanoke, Texas, has adjusted its business model to adapt to new trends in the industry, reported the Star-Telegram.

Owners Larry and Angie Granados have expanded their business to include more than just books. The store now carries gifts, many of which are tied to fundraising efforts. The Granados have also leased out their in-store coffee shop as well as an upstairs classroom to generate additional income, and the store no longer carries New York Times bestsellers. In their place, Book Carriage has bulked up children and young adult inventories, as well as Texana books often requested by residents and visitors.

Oblong Commended for Business Growth

Oblong Books, which has locations in Rhinebeck and Millerton, New York, was recently featured by Rural Intelligence.

Oblong was credited for having grown during a time of uncertainty in the industry “through a combo of 21st century business savvy and old-school outreach,” the newspaper said, noting that in 2010 Oblong’s Rhinebeck location was expanded and business revenue is up.

“People are realizing the money they spend locally means a helluva lot more than the money they spend online that goes to some distant place and never comes back,” said Dick Hermans, who co-owns the stores with his daughter, Suzanna Hermans.

Of his daughter, who runs the Rhinebeck store, Hermans said, “Suzanna brings a lot to the table. She’s a big reader, and she gets what it’s all about. She wants to advance not only our stores, but the whole industry. That’s pretty cool.”