This week we’re heading to Couer d’Alene, Idaho to The Well-Read Moose Bookstore to figure out how they’re keeping it real with their tight knit community.
How did The Well-Read Moose Bookstore transition from concept ot reality?
After our local Boards closed our owner, Melissa DeMotte, thought that our town really needed a bookstore. She joined the American Booksellers Association in 2012, and in 2014 she opened The Well-Read Moose Bookstore.
What do you feel is unique to The Well-Read Moose Bookstore?
We continue to get complimented on how well curated our store is for our size. Many, many more selections than people anticipate.
If you had infinite space, what might you add to The Well-Read Moose Bookstore?
A little upstairs mezzanine/booknook where customers can come and read their books. We would also add more rolling shelves to move them around to host larger community events.
How do you feel your bookstore fits into your local community in Idaho?
We provide community outreach to schools and support their charitable activities. We also provide a space to display local talent (authors & artists). We partner with our library for community reads and author events.
What does The Well-Read Moose Bookstore offer that a chain or online retailer can’t?
Personal book selections – custom book subscription services and bookseller recommended titles. We also offer complimentary gift wrap year round.
Do you hand-pick your staff to create a specific environment?
We look for employees who love to read and love talking to customers about the books they like.
How else do you create a welcoming environment?
We have an accessible store that’s not too crowded. We try to have helpful and enticing signs and displays. We love helping customers but aren’t pushy – we try to create an environment that brings the joy of discovery to customers.
Do you have any staff picks or releases we should watch out for?
We’re ecstatic about The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore (published June 22), Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson (Published August 3rd), and Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard (May 4). We Love to read ahead (Advanced Readers Copies) and write reviews for books we love. We’ve even had some bookseller reviews published!
Do you tailor your inventory according to your community?
Yes, we have a very strong regional history and outdoor activity area. Over the years, we have really figured out what our customers love!
Is there anything else that you’d like our Bookstr audience to know?
Our staff is incredibly well-read and we LOVE getting good books into the hands of people. Handselling is our specialty!
If you are hungry for more of The Well-Read Moose Bookstore, you can find them at their website or on Instagram and Facebook!
Be sure to check out our other Bookspots of the Week here!
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