Welcome to this weeks Bookspot of the Week, where we take a look at take a look at different bookstores and interview the owners, in the hopes of sharing more about what makes them special. Pages Bookshop at 19560 Grand River Ave in Detroit, Michigan is an independent bookstore with a variety of reads found within, and this week we interviewed owner, Susan Murphy to learn more about the shop, including the delightful fact that they have a store cat named Pip!
How did your bookstore transition from concept to reality?
Many pop-up stores in and around Detroit, pop-up in the neighborhood I was last located in.
What do you feel is unique to your bookstore?
It’s calm, comfortable, and a place to get comfortably lost in our books.
If you had infinite space, what might you add to the store?
A wine bar or a stationery store!
How do you feel your bookstore fits into your local community?
Perfectly! We have a curated book selection for the neighborhood.
What does your store offer that a chain or online retailer can’t?
Customer service. We know many customers by name and we know the local reading groups. We do community outreach through in-store events, summer reading program, etc.
Do you hand-pick your staff to create a specific environment?
Yes. We’re all well read and friendly. All of us are able to work in a small team.
How else do you create a welcoming environment?
We have in-store seating as customers browse the books, a store cat (Pip), and a well designed interior.
What about your store do you think appeals to your neighborhood?
Convenient location, friendly knowledgeable staff, and we care about our customers.
Do you tailor your inventory according to your community?
Yes, my inventory has changed based on sales and requests. I focus on diverse titles that match the racial mix of the community.
Is there anything else that you’d like our audience to know?
We have a wide age range of customers from babies to senior citizens. Visiting adult children also shop in the store during the holidays and we know them too. We feel part of their families.
