Comma, a bookshop - Minneapolis, MN

Comma, a bookshop, Minneapolis, MN

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When I visit bookstores that have an extraordinarily attractive interior I always worry if my pictures will do them justice.  The organization, brightness, and neatness make for a beautiful interior here at Comma.  Or is it attractive because it is only 4 months old, just a baby?  No, I don't think that's it and I'm confident that this indie will easily maintain its beauty and charm for years to come.

This newbie has a great location in the affluent Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis and is surrounded by many residential customers and diverse retail businesses.  There is even another renowned bookstore right around the corner from Comma.  Children's bookstore, Wild Rumpus, has been a fixture for many years.  Because of this, a children's section is the only genre missing at Comma.

This spanking new, one-level bookstore offers a well-curated inventory of all new books.  They also stock a nice assortment of sidelines given the size of the store.  Bookstore socks, stickers, and candles are just a few of the sidelines offered.  The best sellers though are the coasters with book covers on them that are also very reasonably priced.  The store opened with a bang with a long line of customers waiting to get in on small business Saturday.  But most bookstores take into account the mid-winter slump which owner Victoria F. was well aware of before opening.  I think that sales will really take-off in the coming months with the change in weather.  Customers can expect to see more events in the coming months as well.

Unbelievably, this beautiful store, its success, and its progress is due solely to one person.  Victoria is the one-person owner and staff at this terrific indie.  However, it should be noted that she has a great volunteer and staff support system with her parents Keith and Betsy.  It was my good fortune to meet both her parents this day and from a few of these prior experiences at other bookstores, if there are nicer people than the owners, it is their parents.

What a wonderful bookstore experience this was.  The Twin Cities has a good bookstore scene and now they can add one more to their ranks.  Minnesotans, pay a visit to this new bookstore and enjoy a comfortable browsing space and its friendly new owner.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Virgil Wander, Leif Enger.  Story of Virgil Wander who owns the Empress Theater in a small northern Minnesota town near Duluth.  He's recovering from a terrible accident and his life is dotted with the many eccentric and odd characters of this small, dying town who are trying to find a way to revive it.  Not creepy, not mysterious (like any small town though, there are a few mysteries), just a good story.  Recommended.   

CURRENLY READING:  Born A Crime, Trevor Noah. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:   Essex Dogs, Dan Jones.

 

This beautiful historic building in the Linden Hills neighborhood is the home for Comma.

This expansive display window really brightens the interior with lots of natural light.

One of my favorite signs. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  I love the lighting here. 

On the left wall near the front entrance. 

The "blind date with a book" promotions have really caught on over the years I've been on this journey.  I see it more and more all the time. 

One of the more popular sidelines here.  Coasters with book covers. 

Stickers and bookmarks. 

Literary-themed book socks.  For a smallish space, Comma has a lot of sidelines. 

Beautiful display at the front of the store. 

Locally-sourced candles. 

Shelf display of new non-fiction. 

I had a great time talking to Victoria about this display of her recent favorites. 

Attractive displays of new releases and new fiction. 

Proceeding through the store you'll come to this room on a raised level with several genres. 

Overview of the room pictured above. 

Follow this hallway...

...to the room in the back and more books. 

Pick one out to sample and have a seat. 

Go to the back room to find a healthy assortment of Young Adult books. 

Colleen Hoover fans are covered. 

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

Booksellers, managers, and owners are some of my favorite people but don't forget the wonderful delivery people who keep these indies stocked.  I love it when I'm at a bookstore and the new books are delivered. 

With Victoria, the fine owner at Comma, a bookshop.  Thanks for a great visit.