Sidelines
Shane Gottwals
Gottwals Books
www.gottwalsbooks.com
What are those “extra” items you keep in stock? My wife and I have recently begun to carry educational puzzles and toys, with mixed success. (I, of course, want them to fly off the shelves, but I guess I should be patient.)
I was told one time that “Books are what makes the business; sidelines are what keep the doors open.” Gottwals Books is opening a second location (www.gottwalsbooks.com), and we just decided to stock $20,000 worth of toys by the time we open in another month or so.
A well-known toy store in our shopping center closed down (due to the fact that it was a national chain that went belly-up). So, the thought of replacing this shop while opening our own is very appealing. Why not bring those customers into our shop that might be coming in for toys?
Well, I have been a little concerned with the decision. I want people to know that we carry toys, but I don’t want to lose our identity as a serious bookstore. We have 30-40 feet of window space to display the pretty, colorful, plush toys, but will that push anyone away? I assume that, as long as we keep it a “bookstore that carries toys” instead of a “book and toy store,” we’ll keep that long-acquired identity.
I suppose that, if I were the client instead of the owner, I would rather not sit on a plush leather couch in a store where there were plush giraffes hanging over my head. Yet, will 200 square feet of floor space in a 3500 square feet shop really have that great of an impact? If anything, the bright colors will be a little distracting. Yet, what does the average 2009 customer really expect from a book-buying experience? The big chains seem to do OK with their multicolored, three-dimensional kids areas. However, is that what anyone wants from their friendly neighborhood book dealer?
I would like to know, from a business perspective, what those little things are that you booksellers keep in stock that bring in extra funds. Have sidelines been successful? I must admit, as a used bookseller, it is very nice to know that I can reorder certain items by just calling the distributor. It is not quite that way with used books… I often cherish those good trade-ins and other finds, knowing that I might not soon see them again. Re-ordering is a lot easier that scouting, that’s for sure!
It seems pretty obvious that carrying sidelines will help financially, but I don’t want to be like that Christian bookstore in town that keeps 50% books and 50% figurines. I guess, as a bookseller, I do not want to lose my roots in books for the sake of making 50% on a reasonably priced selection of toys.
So, I amend my original question: “What are those “extra” items you keep in stock” and have they made your store into something you do not want to be?
Infallible, especially the golf club.
Your style and approach to your illustration really stands out. Very unique.
Divine!
I am liking it. Will you create a deck of cards one can use like tarot? Your illustrations are wonderful and hilarious.
I truly love your style!