Thoughts On Our One-Year Anniversary

Believe it or not, LitLife has now surpassed a milestone:  our one-year anniversary.  Though a year passes quickly in this day and age, it is no small thing to maintain a successful existence over twelve months as an independent bookstore.  As you’ve probably already guessed, the world of bookselling is a difficult one in terms of economics.  Books have been devalued in our society and profit margins are slim, or actually nonexistent in some cases.  Big chain stores (including many who don’t even specialize in books) can buy titles in bulk, and then actually sell them to consumers for less than what we are charged for them by our distributors.  And Amazon has created an e-commerce marketplace like none other:  they can actually sell books for less than they are worth in exchange for the names and addresses of customers that will eventually buy other, more profitable items from their inventory.

We recognize that our little bookstore simply cannot compete with the big chain stores with regard to discounts, and we can’t hope to offer the e-commerce pricing and inventory availability of a business like Amazon.  Luckily, though, our mission has not been purely one of economics.  We feel strongly that every successful urban neighborhood needs a brick-and-mortar bookstore, and the Wealthy Street corridor is no exception.  Small, independent bookstores like LitLife offer books, of course (and we hope that we can impart some of our knowledge about great reads to our customers), but we also offer so much more that might not be readily apparent.  We participate in the revitalization of neighborhoods that have suffered from blight, and hire local contractors to help in the renovation of historic buildings.  We employ local booksellers, and pay taxes that hopefully feed back into our neighborhood, city, and state.  We establish relationships with other local businesses for our supplies, merchandise, signage, and web development, and we continue to support the Local First efforts in our cities.  We enjoy connections with neighborhood schools and educators to promote literacy and to put new books in the hands of children.  We provide meeting places for book groups, writers, and those needing a place to think.  We donate merchandise and money to local charities and organizations in need.  We host events that introduce authors and their works to new audiences.  And we celebrate the world of literature at a time when such “non-technological” culture can often be overlooked.

Please accept our most heartfelt thank you for your support over the last year.  Without customers like you, we simply wouldn’t be here.  We recognize that you join us in thinking that there is value to a small, independent bookstore on the corner, and that you make a conscious effort to shop at our store.  With your help, we will be here to celebrate our second-year anniversary, as well!