Used Bookstore
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Interview with William Baker, the Owner of Baker’s Books, a used bookstore in Portland, Oregon.
Q: Tell us a little bit about how you got started with Baker's Books?
A: It all started with my love for literature. I have been a book lover since I was a kid. After working for a few years in the corporate world, I knew I wanted to do something that I was passionate about and that's when I decided to start Baker's Books. I started with just a few books on a shelf in my garage, and the business has since grown to the cozy little bookstore it is today.
Q: What were some of the challenges you faced while setting up and running the bookstore?
A: One of the biggest challenges was the competition from the big chain bookstores. It was tough to compete with their discounted prices and their ability to buy books in bulk. Also, we had to focus on attracting customers who appreciated the value of used books and the tactile experience of flipping through the pages of a physical book. Another challenge was the lack of foot traffic in our location, which meant that we had to put in extra effort to reach out to our customers and create engaging literary events.
Q: How did you eventually achieve success with Baker's Books?
A: Our success came unexpectedly after we decided to start selling our books online through the Shopify platform. This allowed us to reach a wider audience beyond our city and state. In addition, we focused on creating a cozy ambiance for our customers in-store and online, which helped us build a loyal customer base. We also organized literary events such as author readings, book clubs, and book swaps, which made our bookstore a hub for the literary community in Portland.
Q: Can you tell us more about your experience with Shopify?
A: Shopify has been a game-changer for us. It has allowed us to reach a wider audience and generate sales beyond our physical location without having to invest in expensive online store infrastructure. The platform is user-friendly, and we have been able to customize our online store to reflect our brand. By integrating our physical bookstore with a digital storefront, we have been able to offer our customers a seamless experience between the two.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start a used bookstore?
A: My advice would be to start small and focus on creating a unique experience for your customers. Learn about the used book market and focus on curating a collection that resonates with your target market. Engage with your customers by organizing literary events and encourage them to connect with one another around the love of literature. Finally, embrace technology and use online platforms like Shopify to reach a wider audience.
Q: What's next for Baker's Books?
A: We are looking to expand our online presence and continue building our community by offering more engaging literary events both virtually and in-store. We also plan to work with local schools to provide access to more affordable used books for their students. There are limitless opportunities in the literary space, and we are excited to explore them all.
Thank you for your time, William. It was a pleasure talking to you!
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