Prologue Bookshop - Columbus, OH

Prologue Bookshop, Columbus, OH

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Readers, join me in welcoming this brand spanking-new cute little button of an independent bookstore, Prologue Bookshop.  I think I've been following this baby since before it was a twinkle in its owner's eye.  My only regret is that it's only six months old and I'm not seeing it at its full maturity.  Once Dan B., the owner, adds some of those characteristic bookstore touches including indoor artistic wall murals and outdoor signage, you're going to see this store come into full bloom.  And my guess is that will be just the beginning of great things for this fine indie.

I don't know how this store could have a better location.  It is on the very busy High St., a vibrant retail area with lots of businesses.  Above the bookstore are condos and there are lots of urban living options up and down this street.  It is also only a mile away from the Ohio State University campus.  A location with lots of ready-made customers, a position many other indies would love.  This density of population and businesses has allowed Prologue to enjoy mostly walk-in traffic, more than 80% of all customers.  But ironically, as Dan told me, the majority of the customers here are tourists, over 50%.  Dan has prepared well for his ownership and is doing all those things that launch a successful business.  As he told me, he dived right in by starting an ambitious events schedule.  They're able to clear space in the store and host right on-site.  They already host three store book clubs and just started a trivia night, partnering with the bar next door.  In addition to a very well-curated inventory with all new books, Prologue also has a good variety of sidelines including locally created greeting cards, puzzles, Harry Potter socks,  and board games to name a few.  He also hopes he can increase his sidelines created locally, those kinds of items that give every indie its uniqueness.

I had a terrific time meeting Dan and Daniel, one of the booksellers (If Dan hires only variations of his name, e.g. Daniel, Danielle, Danny, can we rename it the Dan Bookstore?  I digress).  These guys are just like the people I meet all along my journey, darn nice people.

The word is still getting out about this newbie and I hope this helps push it out there further.  If you live on High St. in Columbus there is no reason for you NOT to visit this place.  Pay a visit to this attractive bookstore and enjoy your new neighbor in the community.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  Parnassus On Wheels, Christopher Morley.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Sadness Is A White Bird, Moriel Rothman-Zecher.

Sidewalk signs are a great way to communicate to customers and also entice them to enter!

On the beautiful day of my visit, this door was wide open.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Looking to the right after entering you'll see a long wall of fiction.  

Have a seat and sample a book.  

Looking to the left after entering.  Behind that shelf is the check-out counter.  

Display of new releases.  How many do you recognize?  

I always love to see the staff recommendation displays.  

I also enjoy seeing what the book clubs are reading.  

Lots of inspirational books about important women.  

Everyone who lives on High St. should be in this customer incentive program!

A few of the items of local interest.  

Display with staff picks highlighted by shelf talkers, those 3x5 tabs hanging from the shelves telling you about specific recommendations.  

Games and puzzles?  Yes please!

Your Harry Potter fandom is not complete unless you have the socks.  All of them.  

Many indies carry locally crafted greeting cards, truly one of a kind.  I love seeing these.  

Partial view of the children's section.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

I think this shirt would pair nicely with the Harry Potter socks.  

One of my favorite things to witness at any bookstore.  The UPS guy bringing in the new books.  

You'll need this tote for your books, your Harry Potter socks, and your Prologue t-shirt.  

With Dan on the left, the fine owner at Prologue Bookshop.  Thanks for a great visit.