Info about Bookstores
Considering opening a bookstore?
Here are a couple major decisions that you should consider carefully before opening a used bookshop or any small retail shop for that matter. These decisions are rather hard to change once made so a lot of thought should be put into them.
Location is everything. After visiting hundreds of used bookstores as well as owning my own for a few years I have learned a few important truths. There seem to be two views when it comes to selecting a location for your shop. One is to do all you can to keep operating expenses low. This means paying less in rent and selecting a location that may be just around the corner from a busy intersection. The opposing view, and in my mind the correct one, suggests that you need to do all that you can to get as many feet in your door as possible. This suggests finding the spot that is asking for the highest rent. You must have dominant visibility in order to survive. Do not take a chance with location, it will be the downfall of your grand plans.
The second is about shelving and how an easy to implement, cost effective solution is often overlooked. Take a moment to consider the Billy system from Ikea. many used bookshops take a stab at creating there own shelving. This goes a long way in perpetuating the notion that used booshops are dusty, run down messes. The Billy system offers not only a clean look but rich, relaxing colors (the brown/black scheme). This cheap shelving solution not only saves a few dollars but I guarantee your customers will hand out a ton of compliments over the appearance of your shop. I hope this helps you in a couple key decisions. This business is a tough one, do not unhinge yourself before you even get going.