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.  

Monstera’s Books - Overland Park, KS

Monstera's Books, Overland Park, KS

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To all my readers who are plant lovers, I have found your Xanadu.  And for my same book and plant enthusiasts, there are a few other bookstores out there that have the same business model.  But admittedly, this is rare.  I’m continually amazed at the new things I learn on this incredible journey,  For Monstera’s Books, owner Kate W. found that indoor plants became part of her home Covid project.  She knew when the store opened 7 months ago that plants would be a part of it.  So at this indie, they curate and care for books AND plants and fortunately they have Hannah on staff as the plant expert.  Well done, Monstera’s.

Kate decided she had had enough of selling software and cybersecurity and embarked on an adventure of bookstore ownership, an adventure that has been very successful.  Monstera’s offers new and used books in a beautiful one-level setting.  The store only takes used books as donations abut Kate and her husband keep their eyes open for estate sales that might have books of interest for the store.  They offer new and used plants (seriously, I half-kidding asked if they take used plants and they said YES but keep them in the back and don’t let them leave the store unless they’re sure they’re free of pests).  I thought the assortment of sidelines were outstanding including greeting cards, puzzles, buttons, journals, and stickers to name a few.  I also thought the store merch offered was excellent including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more all uniquely created by Kate's husband thanks to his talents in graphic design.  Monstera’s enjoys a terrific location in downtown Overland Park.  This ideal location attracts lots of foot traffic twice a week from the nearby farmer’s market. 

This is another bookstore name that leaves me curious how it came about.  It might be obvious to my plant experts (there’s your clue) but not to me.  The store is named after the Monstera plant, a large, leafy-green indoor plant (think Little Shop Of Horrors, the musical).  It sits on the left side of the store next to the large window soaking up all the natural light.

The staff here is simply outstanding.  Hannah, Wesley, and Laramie are wonderful.  My kindred book-spirit Mary wasn’t here but she sold me some books with the help of Kate.

If you’re in the Overland Park area of Kansas City, pay this gem a visit.  I didn’t think bookstores could be any cooler but the plants take it to a whole new level of zen.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Ragged Company, Richard Wagamese.  I love this author but I found this story about four homeless people who escape the cold by going to movies slow and repetitive.  Just couldn't get into it.  I highly recommend Indian Horse by this author. 

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

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  What The Chicken Knows, Sy Montgomery.  The Heart’s Invisible Furies, John Boyne.  North Woods, Daniel Mason.  

 

Side of the building.  Behind these windows is the Monstera plant. 

Beautiful storefront. 

On nice days, you can start browsing before you go in. 

Buy local, shop local, keep it in your community. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  I like the checkers!

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  Plants! 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

A better view of the table display of plants in the front of the store. 

Display of popular releases. 

Head over to the right side of the store and browse these shelves, guarded by the plants above. 

Beautiful seating area in the middle of the store. 

At the check-out counter you'll find numerous sidelines for your impulse buys. 

The stickers are hot and these are just a few. 

The morning sunlight on the left side of the store is glorious.  Next to this chair is the Monstera plant.  Have a seat and enjoy the light. 

More sidelines near the checkout counter. 

Table display of new releases inside the front entrance. 

Right side of the store after you enter. 

View looking into the children's area. 

A book for a child or a senior citizen??  Asking for a friend. 

I love this mural in the children's area. 

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

If you're low on dough, find this basket of bargains. 

 I don't think I've seen this sign in any bookstore. 

With Kate, the fine owner at Monstera's Books.  Thanks for a great visit.