The Story Collective - St. Joseph, MO

The Story Collective, St. Joseph, MO

(Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on X)

Thank goodness St. Joseph has an Ashley D. to provide something desperately needed in this community.  St. Joe is a town of about 70,000, more than enough to support an independent bookstore.  Several years before The Story Collective, there was nothing here but now thanks to Ashley, The Story Collective was born about 7 months ago providing a bookstore experience to a grateful group of readers in St. Joe AND the surrounding communities.  Best of all, the bookstore is off to a great start and things are going very well.  But, as with all new indies, The Story Collective patiently waits to be discovered by more local customers.  

This terrific new bookstore has a great location in a downtown that is continuing to try and generate more business and retail growth.  The one-level space offers all new books and a very tasteful (especially the caramels!) variety of sidelines.  The nice thing about this historic building (1899) is that Ashley has some flexibility within the building for future bookstore creativity.  The bookshelves and labeling are attractively arranged throughout the store, including the children’s section.  The store offers a monthly story time for children on the first Saturday of every month and is also active with author signing events.  As for sidelines, of course the stickers are hot but they also offer locally created caramels, puzzles, t-shirts, and many summer and travel-themed items like unique flashlights, travel and hiking cups, and car travel games to name just a few.  I especially liked the unique candles here, described as 20-minute candles.  

So, what’s the final Indie Bob Spot bookstore rating for The Story Collective?  Outstanding in every way and the kind of store that should be embraced for years to come.  Hey St. Joe, you’ve got a keeper with The Story Collective.  Pay Ashley a visit and enjoy meeting a friendly and knowledgeable owner as you explore a leisurely and rewarding bookstore experience.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir. 

JUST FINISHED:  Bellows Falls, Archer Mayor.  This is an example of an author I discovered that is very popular in a specific region of the country.  Most of his novels take place in Vermont and are police procedural works.  Joe Gunther is the detective trying to put away a drug dealer but can't pin him down with firm evidence.  There is also a cop on the force who might be helping this guy along with some juvenile delinquents in the community.  If you like these kind of books, this author has a whole series featuring this detective.  Looking for a new author?  Check this guy out, I thought the book was great. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Wellness, Nathan Hill. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Starter Villain, John Scalzi. 

 

Another view of the storefront in downtown St. Joseph.  The upstairs floor is vacant as is the rear of the building giving Ashley some flexibility for future plans. 

A portion of the expansive display window space. 

Create your own art on the sidewalk outside of the store. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

Looking immediately to the left after entering.  You'll find an assortment of t-shirts here. 

The perfect place for two little readers in the front of the store.

These caramels are your impulse buy at the checkout counter. 

Table display of some great Father's Day ideas. 

I've been in bookstores many times when the new books arrive and I love it. 

On the right side of the store after entering you'll see this display of sidelines, many relevant for the summer season. 

I love these.  20-minute candles. 

Attractive display of travel and summer items. 

I really like this vintage floor in this historic building. 

Wonderful area in the middle of the store.  Try out a book or pretend to rest your eyes. 

Can you name these authors without expanding the picture?  Excellent profiles sketched by a talented local artist. 

A few of the store favorites. 

If you're a coffee drinker, they have you covered. 

Display of new releases. 

If you have a budding artist in your family bring them to this display. 

The beautiful back right corner of the bookstore. 

Just some of the books by local authors. 

Little writers can begin their author careers at this little desk. 

On a budget?  Find this book cart for some great buys. 

Partial view of the children's area. 

Another angle of the children's area. 

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

If you haven't done this yet, it's not too late. 

Unique puzzles. 

With Ashley, the fine owner at The Story Collective.  Thanks for a great visit.