The Indie Bob Spot: The Booksellers At Laurelwood

The Booksellers At Laurelwood - Memphis, TN

(Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on Twitter)

More, more, and more! When you visit The Booksellers At Laurelwood in Memphis you will be amazed at all the "more." This place has more, or at least as much, as any indie I've visited. Magazines, greeting cards, sidelines, purses, and, well, you get the idea. But the best "more" of all? More southern hospitality than I could've imagined.

The next time you visit here, bring one of your non-reading friends with you. If they can't find something, they aren't trying. I can't convey to you accurately the overall volume and variety of sidelines. Everything from the usual greeting cards and t-shirts to CDs, DVDs, clothes, fashion accessories, games and puzzles, and more. I really can't overstate all that they have here. I didn't meet Neil, the owner, on this visit but the excellent sidelines offered here are part of his vision for this independent bookstore.

And of course, there are lots of books. The store is all one-level but it is a huge one level. Despite their large inventory, however, it doesn't feel cramped or crowded. New and used books are offered and the store offers credit towards new book purchases, similar to other indies. There is a huge children's section that is very active with reading events and according to Eddie B., the general manager, the place is so packed it's like "the Woodstock of story times!" The store has a very active author events schedule and a great space to host them. There is also a bistro (this is way more than a café) located in the store and it is as nice as anything I've seen in a bookstore. It has a spacious seating area inside and outside seating when the weather permits. The store is located as part of the Laurelwood shopping center. A great location in a highly populated area surrounded by lots of shopping options. This location enables Booksellers to have and maintain a strong local customer base. They also do some business with text books since there are several colleges nearby.

But the best "more" of all? The "more" enthusiasm, kindness, and southern hospitality of the staff members I met. I'm so lucky on this journey to meet so many wonderful people. Eddie B, general manager, Nicole Y., the marketing director, Macon W., the events coordinator, and Joanne and Mark, two of the fine booksellers. I had a great time talking to all of these people. I'm always a little tentative outside of the midwest, not knowing if I'll find the same kind of friendliness. No worries. I've decided it must be a bookstore thing!

This place looks like a chain store, smells like a chain store, and quacks like a chain store. But oh my, it isn't. This is one strong, vibrant independent bookstore. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING: Ordinary Grace, William Kent Krueger.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Shadow Of The Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafón. A CD gift, Hide Away, John Kilzer. Thanks Joanne.