The Indie Bob Spot: Nine Stories Booksellers

Nine Stories Booksellers, Pittsburgh, PA

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Readers, this is the kind of indie that when I walk in the front door I just want to jump up and down and scream. This indie is a celebration. Beat the drum, blow your horn, and strike up the band. I am here to tell you, do not believe the occasional articles about the demise of independent bookstores. I have seen for myself across the country, there are more openings than closings and there is an enthusiasm at the new stores with their owners. Nine Stories is the perfect example of this. Only opened for 8 months now, they are showing positive business growth and doing much better than hanging on for dear life. This is all thanks to the husband and wife ownership of John and Allyson and their story of perseverance to get to this point.

Before Nine Stories opened, it began as a pop-up with used books being sold from John and Allyson's VW. After two years of this they took the plunge and opened Nine Stories in the upper Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Their location is well-positioned in an area that is poised to show new business growth. Now they work from the comfortableness of a brick and mortar offering new and used books. They offer store credit for used books and are very particular about what they take due to their smaller space. I thought their used book selection was excellent and very well curated. They also offer some sidelines like locally made candles, t-shirts of out-of-print books, and totes to name a few. In 8 short months they've already started a store book club and are continually working to expand their events schedule. They have a weekly story time for children that more people need to take advantage of. Bring your child to the story time and then visit Caffè D'amore, connected to the bookstore on the inside and an excellent partnership. I especially like that the store already offers a customer incentive program. I think every independent bookstore should have some kind of incentive program for its regular customers.

I had a wonderful time meeting John and talking to him about the store, the business, and all kinds of books. You need to visit Nine Stories and meet this guy. He has the kind of youthful enthusiasm you're going to see more of in the new independent bookstores. Check this one out and you'll see what I'm talking about. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING: The Nix, Nathan Johnson.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Emily, Alone, Stewart O'Nan. Dead Wake, Erik Larson.

If you need coffee while you browse for books you're set. You can visit Caffè D'amore right next door and connected on the inside.

Another exterior view.

Yes, time for summer reading and time to pay a visit to an independent bookstore!

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

Attractive table display of recent releases just inside the store.

Just to the left of the front entrance you'll find a great place to sit and try out a book.

I love the staff picks display on the wall to the left of the entrance.

The store has a few sidelines including these candles.

The store is continuing to engage in events. Check this board in the store.

Shinola journals and notebooks, American made in Detroit.

Shirts and totes with a literary theme.

You won't find this on Amazon.

Two great places to sample a book.

Looking into the Caffè D'amore from the bookstore. They both have separate exterior entrances and they are also connected on the inside. A great partnership.