The Indie Bob Spot: The Flying Pig Bookstore

The Flying Pig Bookstore, Shelburne, VT

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I really wanted to visit this bookstore a couple of years ago but ran out of time on that trip and couldn't fit it in. So this time I made SURE to get it in. Why did I want to visit so bad? It's simple, I love the name of this store, The Flying Pig. And naturally I needed to find out how the store got its name. Originally, the store opened in Charlotte, VT in 1996, an all children's store. Elizabeth B., the owner, made the decision to open the store and the journey became an "impossible dream" fulfilled in 10 WEEKS, from idea to an opened store. The idea of a flying pig is the metaphor for that impossible dream. Indie owners can relate to the impossibility of that timeline. As in, hey Elizabeth you going to open that bookstore in 10 weeks? Sure you are. Maybe when pigs fly! And then a bookstore was born.

So the business has been around since 1996 and then moved to its current location in 2006. It's current location is in that big yellow house you see on the main road through Shelburne, a very busy and visible location. The store has evolved to have a 55/45 mix of children's to adult. I thought the adult inventory was very impressive given the smallish size of the store and allotted percentage devoted to adult. Of course, the children's inventory was outstanding. That's not surprising given Elizabeth's background as an elementary school librarian prior to owning a bookstore.

The store is strongly supported by local regulars and extremely well supported by frequent tourist visitors. Elizabeth also enjoys an excellent partnership with many schools which has a huge impact on the store's business. The Flying Pig is so fortunate to have these partnerships, something many other indies are unable to establish. The sale of sidelines was way down during the pandemic but is typically another important aspect for the business.

The pictures below may not look exactly like the store's inside when you visit. The Flying Pig opened for browsing shortly after my visit but Elizabeth graciously allowed me to take a look at the store and take some pictures. I'm so lucky to meet people like this throughout my entire journey. Thanks Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and Christie are the best and an absolute blast to talk to. This store is normally pretty busy so it was a quiet day with no customers but a great day for me to see a super bookstore and meet two of the people who make it a success. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Black Out, John Lawton. Story of Inspector Troy living in London during WWII and working to solve a mystery of murders. For me, this one dragged. Also bogged down due to all the British slang and terminology but that's my fault.

CURRENTLY READING: Six Years, Harlan Coben.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Feather Thief, Kirk Wallace Johnson. Not purchased but gifted, Lightning Strike, William Kent Krueger. Thanks Elizabeth.

The beautiful home of The Flying Pig Bookstore.

Another view of the store's front porch.

Beware the flying pig.

View looking into the store from the front entrance. Notice the Flying Pig carpet.

Something here for EVERY kid. They will love this place.

Attractive front table display on the day of my visit.

Looking further into the store. Follow the flying pig carpet.

Display of popular releases for adults.

Staff picks for adults.

Staff favorites for kids.

One of the charming book nooks for little readers.

Another book nook for kids and a shelf of award winners.

Best sellers for adults.

Just a few of the greeting cards available.

Just a few of the sidelines available.

You'll find flying pigs everywhere in the store. Some collected by Elizabeth and some brought in by friends and customers. This was one of my favorites.