The Indie Bob Spot: Bookish

Bookish, Ft. Smith, AR

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Here's my biggest takeaway after visiting Bookish in Ft. Smith. There's a school district near here that's missing two wonderful high school English teachers, bad news for that school and community. The good news is that these two women charged full-steam ahead, taking a leap of faith into the unchartered waters of bookstore ownership. I'm pretty sure these two are super teachers and after meeting them I KNOW they're going to be great bookstore owners. Along my journey, I've met many teachers who are now bookstore owners but here at Bookish, they're both former English teachers. I don't know how a bookstore could be in better hands (good grammar and proper sentence structure don't fail. Me. now:?)!

As Jennifer N., co-owner along with Sara P., told me, this store has filled a void in Ft. Smith and the timing was perfect. If Jennifer and Sara hadn't done this someone else would have. So in August of this year when their teacher friends were enduring the tedium of a plethora of in-service meetings, these two were opening a bookstore. In my mind, this was probably a refreshing change of pace. So this is now a 3-month old bookstore baby and as Jennifer told me, things are going great. Congratulations Jennifer and Sara.

The interior its absolutely striking and you can tell it took some work to get it to its present state. Thanks to a sympathetic building owner, they've been able to shape it as they like. This beautiful one-level interior offers a well-curated inventory of all new books and a variety of sidelines including greeting cards, candles, t-shirts, and flavored popcorn to name just a few. In their short 3 months they're already doing a busy schedule of events that include a story time and a poetry night which they hope can become a regular event. The store has a great location with high visibility at the corner of two busy streets near downtown, Grand and 10th. And when Jennifer and Sara aren't here, the store is in good hands with Barry, the bookstore cat.

The store already has a good core of regular customers but surprisingly more out-of-towners are finding their way here than some from Ft. Smith. So citizens of Ft. Smith, here you go. It's time to patronize and embrace an experience at something you've been missing. Check out this cozy bookstore and meet the two all-star owners, an experience you won't find online. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING: The Autobiography Of An Ex-Coloured Man, James Weldon Johnson.

I think the bookstore has a great corner location on the ground level floor of this historic building.

You can find the Bookish logo all around the building.

A nice, large display window. Looks great from the outside and allows for lots of natural light on the inside.

You're almost there! The main entrance decorated and ready for the holiday season.

Many indies have sidewalk signs like this one.

View looking into the store from the front entrance. When you look at this space, you can tell that Jennifer and Sara put a LOT of work in to transform it into a beautiful bookstore. The flooring, painting, lighting, artwork, EVERYTHING.

A very comfy and cozy area looking to the left from the front entrance.

View looking to the right from the front entrance.

This is Barry and he's on the prowl looking for customers to pet him.

Two great places to try out a book near the front entrance.

Lots of grammar pencils. Yes, please, I'll take all the help I can get.

Uniquely made soy candles.

Sip a coffee while you browse.

Take time to look at the large events board behind the check-out counter.

This is the check-out counter where you'll get in a long line to purchase your books. Jennifer is sometimes busy taking book orders over the phone for the people who don't want to wait in line.