What It Means To Us

We may not know what, but we do know why

Being a bookseller is no easy task.  Without boring you of the details or the woes, lets just say that a two-week vacation to the islands is not on the radar anytime soon.  We live day-to-day and hope that tomorrow will be a better day.  Our business plan and strategic plans are created to meet the needs of the community that we serve and hinge on the hope that we can reach just one more new person with each effort.

Being a bookseller in a small town creates so much opportunity and so many challenges.  We know our friends well, we watch their children grow and understand what they are looking for often without them ever having to ask.  We also work with the schools, local non-profits and civic organizations that serve our community.  Often we present authors in schools at no cost, some of which is saving them thousands of dollars.  We do this because we care.  We do this because that is who we are.

Our shelves are not packed with the latest hyped up marketing blitz titles that are on billboards, television and gracing the aisles of national discount chains.  Our shelves are a reflection of the community that we serve and we are proud to display those titles.  We do have the same inventory as those chains.  In most cases, should you request a specific title it will take just one or two business days to arrive.  This is a service that comes at no extra cost.  We know that cost matters.

The recession hit everyone hard, we are no exception.  Often we ask ourselves if a small shop in a small town is just not what people are looking for.  Taking a ride to the discount store, in many cases less than 15-minutes from town is an attractive alternative to those looking to save a buck or two.  We understand this.  This is something we think of often.  We also know that given we cannot compete with price, we have to offer something more.

What do we offer?  We offer personal service, knowledge and the promise that you are not just a customer, you are a friend.  We offer a commitment to the community, a sense of civic pride with each smile and our word that we are dedicated to seeing that our town remains strong, not just for the Clinton Book Shop but for each and every hard working independent merchant that contributes to the promise of tomorrow for the place that you call home.

Although we may not know what the future holds, we will continue to work hard.  Selling books  is our passion, reading is our connection to the worlds that are created for us to explore together.  Our challenge is to make sure that the worlds we discover are shared with each of you so that you too will share your experiences as well.  Stop by soon and lets explore the magic of books together.

Start now by sharing with us.  Use the form below to let us know your thoughts.

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To Blog Or not To Blog

It has been so long since I had the desire to post here.  This is not to say that I have nothing to say.  Anyone who knows me would attest to the fact that I always have something to say.  What I mean is that I’m not too sure that anyone wants to read what I have to say.

You see, I follow many bloggers and to be quite honest, there are few that I even take the time to read.  If I am to take the most precious thing that I have, my time, I want to make sure that whatever it is I am doing will add a facet to my life that was not present before that time was spent.  I’m thinking that doesn’t make much sense.  Onward.

I am in the position of making sure that what I write will be read and that what is read will have an impact.  Oh come on, you know that you have all read a blog or two that is nothing more than a rant about how great the one writing is.  Although often thinly veiled, it is almost always evident.  I don’t want that to be a readers experience after they are through reading what I write.  So, to avoid that I will make this vow.  Should you read what I write, I promise that you will gain something.  As there is nothing profound in my head now, I will stop writing and bid you good night.

 

Victims No Longer

Let’s face it!  The odds are against independent book shops.  With the predatory practices of online entities like Amazon, Wal-Mart, and B & N, as well as the introduction of the “e-reader”, indies have been on the defensive for quite a while.  Roll that all into a really toxic economic environment and it just could not get worse.  

Will independent book shops follow the path of independent music and shoe stores, close their doors because they just can’t do it?  I don’t think so.  In fact, I’d say that we are tired of being treated like the unwanted step-child, the victim, the oh, lets throw them a crumb and make them feel good “little ones.”  Our day has come.  We not only have survived, but we plan on thriving. Oh yea, we will no longer be victims. 

Independents are moving forward.  In spite of all the adversity that we face, we will continue to evolve and meet the needs of those who appreciate all that we do for the community.  Hell, if it were just about the books, we would be gone.  It is more though, so much more.  We are part of your community and we work our asses off to make sure that there are enough books sold so that we can continue to serve the place that we call home.  Our support of your schools, your EMT, police, non-profit and civic organizations, that is just the tip of the iceberg.  

We know our customers, their children, their grand-children, and in many cases, their pets.  We know your favorite authors and even your least favorite authors.  We make sure that every time you walk through our doors there is a smile waiting for you and someone who has the time to help you choose that perfect book for you or for a friend of yours that we may never have met.  That is trust.  That is what we offer that the larger stores and online entities don’t, trust.  Isn’t it nice to have that today?  Say it to yourself and really think about what that means.  Pretty cool huh?

We work hard to make sure that our selection of titles and our list of events are a reflection of the community.  You will find no two independent book shops in this nation alike.  We are independent defined.

Even our web site is a reflection of our community.  Do you think that you will find that elsewhere?  I think not.  What we don’t have is the hundreds and millions of dollars that some of the corporate entities have seduced you with, so just like the old times, we depend on you to be our best spokesperson.  Today, take the time to share with a friend, talk to them about why it is that you love your local independent book shop.  Grab them by the hand and show-off a bit, because in our shop, you are important. 

Be part of this movement and help up make it happen.  What is really cool is that because we have decided that we will no longer be victims, you can jump on the train and once again celebrate your individuality.  Dont let those box-stores and online faceless marts treat you like a nothing.  Today you are appreciated and you are more than an ID and password.  Today you can choose to be somebody. 

Now go on and share this with a friend.  Lets make this a viral thing.  See you soon.

Peace

Rob

Stamp-Out Book Snobbery

There are times when some folks come into the Clinton Book Shop and quietly walk up to the counter and whisper something like “where is your romance section” or they ask about a particular author that is not deemed “literary.”  It seems as though they often do this in shame of being found out. I ask WHY?

Reading a book is one of the most wonderful experiences that we have and the fact that a customer prefers a hot and entertaining romance or a mystery over the more “literary” choices paraded in front of us is testimony to their individuality. As an independent bookseller we celebrate the freedom to choose and honor the freedom to express without regard to the choices made by an individual. These freedoms are the backbone of our shop and we will never compromise.

I’m thinking that there are some folks who have had their choice of reading bliss looked down upon by friends, family, even booksellers in the past and that this may be the reason they feel the need to hide thier guilty pleasures. Well, I say that it is time to COME OUT and proclaim your individuality. Stand up and share your passion of your best-loved books with the world.  But, you have to let us know. You see, one of the best vehicles that we have for stocking and selling titles is the customers that let us know what they want.

Our policy is simple.  NO SNOBBERY ALLOWED.  As for the book-snobs….well, they just don’t know what they are missing. 

You will never see a face like this behind our counter.

Into The Blogosphere We Go!

Say hello to the Clinton Book Shop’s very first blog entry.  We are so excited about adding another exciting element to our on-line presence.