Pearl's Books - Fayetteville, AR

Pearl's Books, Fayetteville, AR

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On your marks, get set, GO!  And open a bookstore.  This is exactly what husband and wife co-owners Daniel and Leah did and they didn't just tiptoe to the starting line, they sprinted through it.  They turned their backs on their positions in academia at the University of Arkansas and said, let's open a bookstore.  So now they've been open for about three months and it seems they're already doing everything that all the established indies are doing.

My first impression entering the store was the striking interior.  A beautifully renovated space that was formerly an olive oil store and offices.  Whoever did the remodeling design gets a thumbs up.  Simplistic, classy, and attractive.  Floor to ceiling books along the left wall with a moveable ladder on a track to help with high shelf browsing.  The bookshelves on the right were purchased from Nightbird Books, a local indie that I enjoyed visiting but is now sadly out of business.  On all these shelves you'll find a good inventory of all new books.  Sidelines include greeting cards, the "out-of-print" line of socks, Pearl's bookstore swag, and wine to name a few.  But the best-seller so far?  STICKERS!  I don't get it and neither does Daniel but if you're a fan of stickers, get to this store to see their wide variety.  

In their short three months, they're already hosting events including author events and bookclubs.  They have a great room in the back for bookclubs and don't forget they have wine, an important part of any event.  Best of all, the business is off to a great start including an outstanding holiday season.  Way to go, Fayetteville.

There's only one thing missing in this terrific indie.  A cute and cuddly little 4-legged member of Daniel and Leah's family named Pearl, the store's namesake.  Pearl didn't live to see her store but what a great remembrance to have her name on the front of the building.  A beloved family member missed, but forever remembered in spirit as a bookstore with an energy that I'm sure was shared by Pearl.  Regular readers know I have a soft spot for all bookstore dogs.

I'm sure there are probably bookstore people that haven't heard of Pearl's yet.  If you're in Fayetteville, check this gem out located downtown and just off the square.  Pearl may be gone, but you'll have a wonderful experience when you visit this new store named after her.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Sentence, Louise Erdrich.  The Student Conductor, Robert Ford.  A really sweet Pearl's t-shirt. 

 

 

Beautiful storefront. 

 

 

If approaching from across the street, this is how it will look. 

 

Neat and attractive display window. 

 

 

Looking into the store from the front entrance. 

 

 

Just inside the front door you'll find a couple of comfy places to sit. 

 

 

This is the right side of the bookstore and these are the shelves from Nightbird Books, a wonderful Fayetteville bookstore that is no longer in business. 

 

A few of the staff favorites to the immediate right after entering. 

 

A few more of the staff favorites to the immediate left after entering. 

 

This ladder comes in handy on the left wall of the bookstore where you can find floor to ceiling books. 

 

Might as well have a seat and sample a book. 

 

Tis the season. 

 

 

Book-related pins. 

 

A variety of sidelines at the check-out counter. 

 

 

If you have a family member who is sticker crazy, bring them to Pearl's for a wide selection of stickers. 

 

A comment I've heard echoed throughout my visits to bookstores is that wine is a positive supplement with book club participants. 

 

A unique line of socks that sell quite successfully in many bookstores. 

 

Partial view of the children's section. 

 

Because I have nothing to read, I found two bargains on these shelves. 

 

 

A charming room in the back of the store that offers event space and more books. 

 

Overview of the back room. 

 

Visual confirmation. 

 

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

 

Kids will love these. 

 

 

These collectible coins might be of interest for Game Of Thrones fans and Lord Of The Rings fans. 

 

Have a coffee, find a seat, and tryout a book.  What could be better?

Nicely done mural in downtown Fayetteville.  Buy local, shop local. 

With Daniel on the left, the fine co-owner at Pearl's Books.  Thanks for a great visit.