Red Fern Booksellers - Salina, KS

Red Fern Booksellers, Salina, KS

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Regular followers know that I can be swept away in any bookstore and perhaps inclined to exaggeration.  Trust me when I say that Red Fern Booksellers is not beautiful, it is truly gorgeous.  The work that owner Harley H. and his team put into this space is impressive.  As he told me, they were trying to match the interior with the 1800s era of the building.  The long, medium-wide space is lined with bookshelves, front to back with table displays evenly spaced throughout.  The ceiling has been returned to its original beauty.  The craftsmanship of the dark brown book shelves is captured nicely by the accent lighting and the overhead lighting is just right.  The shelves are highlighted by the brass genre sign tags.  Simply beautiful.  If there are awards for interior bookstore design, Red Fern should be a nominee. 

Yet, there is so much more.  Red Fern offers a generous inventory of all new books in a town of approximately 50,000.  This indie could hold its own in a city of any size.  If you can’t visit in person, consider placing an order online which has been a busy portion of the store’s business.  The sidelines are numerous and are dominated by works of original art in greeting cards and other items.  I especially enjoyed seeing the table of spirit tiles (Spiritiles) created by artist Houston Llew.  Everyone of these unique tiles features a work of art on a copper canvas and colorful glass.  On the spine you’ll see an author’s name and another spine will feature a quote from a book.  Again, my pictures won’t do these justice so you’ll have to see these in person.  

I was happy to hear that things are going well here.  One of the huge factors for Red Fern’s success are frequent events that draw large crowds.  They’re fortunate to have some accommodating options to host these events off-site.

And yet there’s more.  A terrific owner is surrounded by the terrific people at Red Fern, Paula and Christi are the best.  People like this will make your visit to this indie an enjoyable experience.  

You will not be able to resist the Ollie charm. 

But, I cannot forget to mention my favorite staffer, dear, dear Ollie the shop dog.  What a charmer and what a happy soul.  I know there are some who stop in just to see Ollie.  Come for the books, but stay for Ollie. 

Red Fern has only been open for about 18 months but I’m sure there are people in the area that haven’t been here yet.  Hey regulars, find a friend to bring and introduce them to the all-star cast that will give you a fantastic bookstore experience.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  A Fever In The Heartland, Timothy Egan.  If you want to find the seeds of MAGA, this historical non-fiction work may give you hope that we will overcome.  100 years ago, a charismatic con-man, rapist, alcoholic ascended to power in Indiana as the leader of the 2nd wave of the Ku Klux Klan (sound familiar?).  The state was full of corruption, pay-offs, grift, and Kluxers but eventually collapsed and failed.  Incredible story that gives us hope that goodness will prevail over hate.  If you like Erik Larson, you'll love this.  Highly recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Miracle Of The Music Man: The Classic American Story of Meredith Willson, Mark Cabaniss.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Fresh Water For Flowers, Valérie Perrin.  Trials Of The Earth, Mary Mann Hamilton. 

 

Events are a big deal at Red Fern and many are an important revenue source. 

Historic storefront. 

Another angle of the storefront. 

Historic entrance with festive trim.  Outstanding. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  Just look at those endless, long shelves of books on both sides of the store. 

Looking to the left from the front entrance and you'll find some of the greeting cards available. 

After you get your greeting card and your book, go to the right side of the store and select the perfect gift wrap. 

Many options for gift wrap including reversible gift wrap. 

Attractive table display of bestsellers. 

Variety of candles offered. 

On the left side of the store find this display of new and notable releases.  Notice table displays parallel to the bookshelves with spacing to the back of the store. 

Notice the attractive brass genre sign and the perfect lighting. 

Red Fern merch includes tote bags and t-shirts. 

Have any of your book clubs read these? 

I love these and you won't find them in another bookstore.  These are uniquely created with a limited number for each design by artist Houston Llew.  Called Spiritiles (spirit tiles), glass on copper enameled art.  The artistry in creating these is magnificent. 

Reach out to this artist for a most unique gift idea. 

I'm sorry Ollie, I did not bring any treats. 

Close-up of a Spritile.  Notice author names on top spine. 

You'll find a quote on another one of the spines.  These pictures do not do them justice. 

A few of the puzzles available. 

I love the Red Fern logo and you can get on this journal. 

You'll need plenty of time for browsing. 

A book about the owner's great-great-grandmother. 

Beautiful seating area in the back right side of the store.  Try out a book and get comfy.

Overview of the children's area. 

Ready for the holidays. 

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

Ollie coming to assist me with my browsing. 

Some stores have a token bathroom, at Red Fern it is artistry. 

Alice In Wonderland themed bathroom. 

This is Ollie's break space.  None of the other booksellers have this. 

With Harley on the right and Ollie in the front, two of the fine staff you'll meet at Red Fern Booksellers.  Thanks for a great visit. 

The Pretty Posy - Overland Park, KS

The Pretty Posy, Overland Park, KS

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UPDATE: This write-up comes with an expiration date which is in the very near future.  If you're looking for a bookstore called The Pretty Posy and can't find it that's because it will very soon undergo a name change and will be called, INK & PAGE.  But as the saying goes, a rose by any other name... still a rose.  And in this case, you’ll find the same great bookstore I did and enjoy the same experience that I've come to enjoy on many bookstore visits.  

I know I’ve said this before and this might be repetitive for regular followers but it needs to be said again.  The experience you get in a bookstore CANNOT be duplicated online with the simple click of a button.  It was my good fortune to engage with two customers, a 50-something woman and her mother on their bookstore visit in their home town of Overland Park.  After overhearing their conversations with Bethany, the bookseller on duty, the spark ignited and I couldn’t hold back any longer.  We all enjoyed a spirited conversation about favorite books, favorite authors, and our recent books read.  Could this have happened in a hardware store?  Perhaps.  How about online?  Doubtful.  Overland Park gets it.  This is why you buy local and shop local and enjoy chatting and browsing with like-minded people.  Rewarding indeed.

Erin O, the owner of The Pretty Posy, shifted her business model 7 months ago when her store changed from a woman’s boutique to a bookstore.  The interior has a unique artistic touch throughout and offers all new books along with a few sidelines.  As Bethany told me, things are going very well but it has been hit and miss so far with the sidelines.  The stickers and book marks have sold very well and they also offer greeting cards, puzzles, bath bombs, and embroidery kids to name a few.  The store has provided a children’s story time and the children’s books have sold especially well.  They enjoy an excellent location in downtown Overland Park, surrounded by many other small businesses and very close to the farmer’s market which is huge for foot traffic.

Sometimes with new businesses it takes awhile for the word to get out.  If you’re reading this, THE WORD IS OUT.  Overland Park is a super bookstore town and The Pretty Posy/Ink & Page will be worth your experience.  I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  A Fever In The Heartland, Timothy Egan.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  A Fever In The Heartland, Timothy Egan.  

 

Large display window for excellent natural lighting. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

There are many beautiful and creative touches inside the store.  This is just inside the front door and immediately to the right. 

A table display reflecting the coming holiday season. 

If you know someone who enjoys crafts, consider these beginner embroidery kits in the front of the store. 

Immediately to the left after entering you'll find this neatly arranged bookshelf display. 

The artistic look you'll see behind the checkout counter. 

Another great idea for people who enjoy crafts, especially during the holiday season. 

Just some of the greeting cards available. 

The sidelines slant towards the women customers or the male customers looking for gift ideas. 

Beautiful display of greeting cards. 

Attractive table display located in the middle of the store. 

If you're looking for a bargain, find this book cart for 40% off. 

Popular releases. 

When you see these, you're almost to the children's area. 

Assortment of YA books.  Behind this wall is the children's area. 

A wonderful seating area toward the back of the store. 

Partial view of the children's area. 

This is in the back of the store in the children's area.  These were the fitting rooms when the business was a clothing boutique.  Now they make the perfect rooms for a child and a parent. 

Looking into one of the children's reading rooms. 

A great place for little readers. 

A nice gift idea. 

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

ALWAYS ask about gift certificates at every indie. 

With Bethany, the fine bookseller at The Pretty Posy.  Thanks for a great visit.