Main Street Books - Davidson, NC

Main Street Books, Davidson, NC

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My visit to Main Street Books reconfirms what I'm hearing from all over the country as I visit bookstores.  Almost all tell me that over the last few years, the pendulum is swinging back for independent businesses and the shop local movement .  Main Street Books has re-emerged over the last three years under the terrific leadership of Adah F.  Adah is the newish owner of a business that has been around for about 30 years, all in the same location on Main Street Davidson.  And while the store has always persevered over the years, Adah has taken it to a whole new level.  

This one-level store is located in the heart of Davidson, surrounded by many like-minded independent businesses, a very complementary location.  They have a great assortment of all new books and a good variety of sidelines including soy candles, reading glasses, lots of greeting cards, puzzles, and journals just to name a few.  As Eleanor, the events coordinator told me, the sidelines have sold very well.  

The interesting thing to note here is the transition the store underwent when Adah took over.  She's done all the things that successful owners do.  She started saying "yes' to just about everything.  Any authors who wanted to do events?  Yes.  Story times for kids?  Yes.  Bookclubs?  Yes.  She placed the bookstore's presence on social media (I always think this is good), introduced more sidelines to the store, and most importantly, took special care to offer a well-curated and updated book inventory.  Heck, on the evening of my visit the store was hosting an event that paired a book with a wine tasting.  Even if you're not a bookie, you'll become one if you drink enough wine!  If you're going to open a bookstore, you could get some great advice from Adah.

On the day of my visit I was fortunate to meet four of the staff members.  Adah, Eleanor, Jan, and Drew (go green) are just like everyone else I meet on this journey.  Great bookstore people.  You'e going to find this out because this wonderful indie is now on your list of places to visit.  You're welcome.  Enjoy your visit to this welcoming and warm bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENLTY READING:  Nobody's Fool, Richard Russo.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Essex Serpent, Sarah Perry.

One of the very attractive window displays.  

If all you need is a paper, you can get it out front.  Local paper, Wall St. Journal, or New York Times.  I really like it when bookstores carry national newspapers.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  This display includes a few of the store's staff picks.  

View looking to the left of the front entrance.  

A few of the greeting cards available just inside the front door.  Be sure to look around the store for more.  

A timely display for Father's Day.  

A great display of staff picks.  

Regular readers know that I enjoy this promotion that many indies offer.  Blind date with a book.  Wrapped in a plain brown wrapper with a few clues on the paper.  You don't know what you're truly getting until you open it.  Absolutely take a chance on one of these!

Along the top of the bookshelves you'll see poster size book covers.  I love these. 

One of the sidelines available here.  Timeless advice.    

Bottom shelf of the staff picks display shows what some of the bookclubs are reading.  

Another timely display for graduation season.  

Two bears sit atop a bookshelf keeping eye on the children's section below.  

A portion of the children's section.  

The store has a good variety of sidelines.  

If you go to school in the Davidson area, make sure you come here for the books you'll need.  I'm so glad when bookstores are able to partner with local schools in any way.  

A portion of the YA section.  

Some great places to sit near the back of the store.  

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

If you're on a budget, find this sales cart.  

A few of the items of local interest and by local authors.  

Get one of these soy candles that have different book themed aromas.  For example, get the candle that smells like a bookstore and you will permanently have low blood pressure!  

Many indies offer online sales, one more way to support your local bookstore.  

Great picture of the Main Street Books all-stars and one bumbling visitor.  From L-R, Eleanor, yours truly, Drew, Adah, and Jan, some of the fine folks you'll meet at Main Street Books.  Thanks for a great visit.