The Indie Bob Spot

Monday, February 8, 2016

Brazo's Bookstore - Houston, TX

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

Here's what really grabbed my attention when I was at Brazo's Bookstore. This is one of those bookstores that has an energy, or at least it did on the day of my visit, and that was because of the staff I met while I was there. Jeremy E., the owner of Brazo's, has put together a fine staff. They were enthusiastic, friendly, helpful, welcoming, and knowledgeable. And that wasn't just extended to me but the other customers in the store as well. Mark H., the store manager; Keaton, the primary book buyer; Daniel, an intern; and all the rest I met and visited with were terrific. This is not only a great testament to Brazo's Bookstore, but a ringing endorsement of indies everywhere where the majority of the people I meet are exactly like the ones at Brazo's. Readers, do you see why I'm enjoying this journey so much?!

The store is a modest-sized one-level, located in an area that gives it a feel of a neighborhood bookstore. It is bright with lots of large window space and is well-lit, giving it an attractive look. Brazo's has been in its current location for about 20 years (and in business for 40+) yet the interior of the store looks very new, giving it a young look. As you might imagine, its longevity as a bookstore can be attributed partly to a strong nucleus of local customers. They also attract some business from the university communities of Rice and the University of Houston. The past few years have shown increased growth in the store's business, a great sign. There are a few sidelines which are important and help contribute to a portion of the incoming revenue, but the books are the main thing here. Brazo's has a very active events schedule and has the flexibility to host in the store or off-site, depending on the anticipated crowd. They also host a monthly book club, led by Mark, always a great way to bring people into the store.

Jeremy wasn't in the store during my visit but this was a good thing. He's been spending time in Dallas considering opening another Brazo's there (and from what I can tell, Dallas needs something!). And if a 40+ year run in Houston means anything, the future looks great either way. Houston is booming and growing and Mark told me that people move in and they want to find a bookstore. If you're in Houston and haven't checked this place out yet, you're missing out on a long standing, traditional local landmark. Visit this bookstore and discover the fine people who work there and its reason for decades of success. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING: Boundary Waters, William Kent Krueger.

JUST FINISHED: Didn't. Geronimo Rex, Barry Hannah. This book gets lots of great review but I just couldn't get through it. I feel like I've let the book down. Next.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Door, Magda Szabó. Blood Brothers, Ernst Haffner.

Looking to the left in the bookstore from the front entrance. You'll notice the anxious celebrity jumping in front of the camera to browse the books. Yes, that's my mom.

Looking through the bookstore from the front entrance. You'll notice adult coloring books on the front display. These are the rage in bookstores all over the country with everyone. Except me!

This is a portion of the area where events are held in the store, towards the front.

Here you go. A closer look at those adult coloring books. If you work at an indie that doesn't offer these, you should consider it. They are big sellers everywhere I go.

A few of the sidelines available including journals and calendars.

Some of the greeting cards available.

A great display of staff picks. I love these displays.

You'll also see staff picks throughout the store on the bookshelf cards.

Come on in kids, and may the force be with you!

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

A partial view of the children's section.

A nice display of some of the recent releases.

With Mark on the left and Keaton on the right. Thanks for a great visit.

Friday, February 5, 2016

BookPeople - Austin, TX

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

When you think of Texas you think of big, brash, and bold. BookPeople fits this description perfectly. If it were a person it would be 6'8" and 305 lbs. People who find out about my journey always want to hear about my favorite bookstores. It's impossible for me to name a favorite, there are so many terrific indies. But when they ask me about the largest, I can click off those indies. And now BookPeople goes to that list of indies who are among the largest. BookPeople lays claim as being the largest in Texas, and it is a mecca of independent bookstores. However, its not just big, it's an incredible store that literally has it all.

Any store that's been around 40+ years has things figured out and has evolved over time to remain successful. Steve B., the CEO at BookPeople, told me that the store has had 6 consecutive years of increased profit, a wonderful sign here. BookPeople enjoys a strong local customer base and the ties to the community run strong and deep, an important characteristic for all successful bookstores. These ties were obvious on the week day morning when I visited and witnessed dozens of mothers with their pre-school aged children coming into the store for a story time. All indies should try to schedule events like these. There is literally an amphitheater in the children's section for story time (although story time was held in a different location on this day). And it's no wonder kids like coming here. I thought the children's section on the 2nd floor was outstanding. Toys, books, games, and space to move around and play.

Your overall impression though will be one of size and completeness. Two enormous levels of books and any sidelines imaginable. There's an excellent cafe on the first floor where you can linger with a coffee and a book. Events are held on-site on the 2nd floor or up on the 3rd floor where they have even more space. With over 450 events/year, they are very active. Staff recommendations are found in every section and book genre in the store. Instead of a typical staff display table, there are staff picks written on book shelf cards all over the store. BookPeople is a multiple year award-winning store and when you visit you'll know why.

I feel so fortunate that I got to meet Steve B. on the day of my visit. He was great to talk to and tell me a bit about the store and its history. I was very appreciative, as always, of his time and I highly doubt I would ever be able to do that with the CEO of Amazon. Kudos Steve.

I know I have some regular followers who are serious about bookstores. Put this one on your list, IN INK! You do not want to miss this renowned bookstore, deep in the heart of Texas. Go to an indie and buy a book.

JUST FINISHED: Didn't. In Wilderness, Diane Thomas. The synopsis sounds good but it moved to slow for me. Next!

CURRENTLY READING: Geronimo Rex, Barry Hannah.

BookPeople has its own marquee for events. Alert readers will recognize the celebrity entering the store. Yes, that's my mom.

You can shop for books in this entryway before you even enter the store.

Looking into the store from the front entrance.

Looking to the left of the store from the front entrance.

One of the many great book displays in the store, this one near the front.

When you check out you'll have lots of sidelines to choose from.

Need a bargain? Look for this display.

A large section of greeting cards, stationery, and other various sidelines.

Some of the local interests and local authors.

You'll need a directory at this indie.

Timely display for the season.

Of course they have socks, and these are only just a few available.

A great cafe on the main level in the back.

I've seen the Baggallini line at few indies and think it must do well. Besides, you're going to need something to put your books in that you'll be buying.

Notice all the staff recommendation cards on the shelves. You'll find these all over the store in every section.

A great place to sit and try out a book.

Need some jewelry? Look for this display.

Stairway to the 2nd floor. You'll find sidelines along the way and on the wall you'll see pictures of authors who have been at the store.

This is only a very small view of the outstanding children's section on the 2nd floor.

This is the amphitheater often used for story time.

Kids will love this section.

No surprise!

With Steve on the right, the fine CEO at BookPeople. Thanks for a great visit.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Malvern Books - Austin, TX

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

Readers, I'm afraid some of you will be disappointed with this indie but let me reassure you that there is no reason to feel this way. As many booksellers encourage their customers to broaden their interests, that would be my advice to you about Malvern Books. This store has a very specific niche and specific offerings. You won't find Stephen King or Danielle Steele here, there are other indies for that. Austin is a very literary community, home of the University of Texas which offers 2 MFA programs in writing. Malvern Books wouldn't work just anywhere but it is a perfect fit in this community.

So what will you find at Malvern Books? You will find new books of fiction and poetry only, published by independent presses. They are bringing to you those great books waiting to be discovered that the masses have yet to grasp. This is exactly what I like about this indie. The majority of the books here you won't be able to find at large chains or elsewhere. You'll also find a good selection of translations; those fiction and poetry works by foreign authors and translated into English. In terms of book inventory, I would compare the emphasis here to that of City Lights in San Francisco, literary fiction and poetry. Although, there is a big difference in the size of the two stores and depth of inventory.

Other than this specificity of genres offered, this indie shares many characteristics with all the other successful ones. The store interior is quite beautiful and very neatly arranged. They have a nice open space for events, readings, and book clubs. They also carry a few sidelines that many others have including greeting cards, journals, and calendars. You won't feel the least bit crowded when browsing and there are several places to sit and take your time. There is plenty of free parking too, in a small lot right outside the store.

I didn't meet Dr. Joe, the owner, during my visit but had a great time talking to Fernando and Schandra. I was surprised when Fernando told me the customer base is quite diverse in many ways and not dominated by the university community. This should be a great sign for continued success.

Readers, when you visit here don't embarrass me by asking for Robin Cook, President Lincoln history, or the children's section. None of that is here. Instead, impress your friends by picking out a book they've never heard of and recommending they do the same. Open your mind to some of the best authors and poets you've never heard of and enjoy a visit to this terrific bookstore. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Didn't. Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel. Historical fiction. I had high hopes but it didn't grab me. It became a slog so I bailed out. BUT, there are MANY readers who thoroughly enjoy this one. I'm just not one of them.

CURRENTLY READING: In Wilderness, Diane Thomas.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Old Devils, Kingsley Amis.