I know that you guys probably think I have a little crush on Julie over at Book Hooked. I talk about her on here just about weekly. You caught me. I think she is great. Her puppy is adorable. I love hearing about her husband… and now she’s helped me out again by answering my Indie Spotlight questions about her indie bookstore The Book Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Here’s what she had to say!
How long have you been shopping there? Do you know the staff? Are they helpful?
I’ve been shopping there for at least two years. I do know the staff (there are only two employees). They are incredibly helpful! Both of them can take you straight to any book you’re looking for, and even though they don’t use a computerized inventory system, they always know what they have in stock.
What sets your indy bookstore apart from chain stores? From other indie stores?
The owners are amazing. They remember their customers, know what your preferences are, and will call you if something you’ve been looking for comes in. They are so friendly, and so knowledgable, especially about used and rare books. Also, they know I’m a librarian and give me a 10% discount, even when I’m not buying for the school!
Does your store have new and used books or only one or the other?
Only used.
How many times a month do you visit?
At least once, sometimes 3 or 4 times. It’s not as often as I would like, but the store is almost half an hour out of my way, so the fact that I go as often as I do is saying a lot.
Does your store do special events/ author signings/ things like that? Do you attend these events?
The one drawback to the store is that there aren’t any special events or signings.
For the intro to my Indie Spotlight series, hop over here.
To learn more about indie bookstores in general head over to indiebound.org.
To recommend a store to spotlight, email me at jacki@lovelylittleshelf.com.