The Sequel:
This article originally ran in V in March, 2008. What has changed?
Since this story first appeared, one new independent bookstore has
opened in the Richmond area, Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts, a family-
owned business managed by Brenda Seward and her three daughters, with
a focus on women. In addition, Alchemists Books and Gifts has expanded
to a second location. Sadly, two bookstores have also closed.
Local Independent Booksellers
Alchemists Books & Gifts
• The original Stony Point Shopping Center, Richmond, 804-323-
5563
• Stony Point Fashion Park, Richmond, 804-320-9200
www.alchemistsbooksandgifts.com
The Aquarian Bookshop
1601 Willow Lawn Dr. in Richmond
804-353-5575 or
www.theaquarianbookshop.com
Chapter 6
Happy Endings
Black Swan Books
2601 W. Main St., Richmond
For the past ten years nearly 300 independent bookstores have gone out
804-353-9476 or
www.blackswanbooks.com
of business each year, with a negligible number of new stores opening to
replace them, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Book People
“With everything I learned, I would have to be a tremendous optimist to
536 Granite Ave, Richmond
start out in this business now,” Ruth says.
804-288-4346 or
www.bookpeoplerichmond.com
Lelia Taylor, whose store is relatively new, says Richmond is a good
place to open a bookstore. “Richmond is very supportive of bookstores,
Chop Suey!
and the chains aren’t out to get us. They refer customers to us; there’s a lot of
2913 W. Cary St., Richmond
coexistence here.”
804-422-8066 or
www.chopsueybooks.com
Strong customer support and value of the personal touch, Carter says, is
the critical difference between large chain stores and independent stores.
Fountain Bookstore, Inc.
“Everyone likes the character of [an independently owned] shop.”
Shockoe Slip, 1312 E. Cary St., Richmond
Though the American Booksellers Association has fallen from 4,000 to
804-788-1594 or
www.fountainbookstore.com
1,800 members in the past 15 years, Kelly Kyle’s outlook is still positive,
and she says last year was one of her most successful years. “I don’t feel
Narnia Children’s Books
threatened. I really don’t see the demise of the bookstore coming anytime
3100 Kensington Ave, Richmond
soon.” V
804-353-5675
Precious Memories Readings & Collectibles
3229 Idlewood Ave., Richmond
804-726-8501 or
www.preciousmemoriesreading.com
V
Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts
There’s nothing like meandering through a bookstore, browsing new
10180 Lakeridge Pkwy, Suite 104, Ashland
and vintage, rare and classic titles. A good bookstore is as charming
804-368-7736 or
www.simplepleasuresbooksandgifts.com
and valuable as the books on its shelves, and freelance writer Amanda
Southall loves both.
Tumbleweeds Bookstore
2715 Buford Rd., Richmond, 23235
804-440-9333
www
•
myVmagazine.com
Vmagazine for women
• JANUARY 2010
11
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