Best place for a Midtown / Auto Alley bookstore?

[bibliokie]

After some deliberation, I have decided to post on this thread. I am the individual pursuing the opening of a local, independent book store in Midtown/Auto Alley. I am also looking at uptown, on 23rd street. I LOVE all the feedback so far, but I am hungry for more.

Primarily, this will be a brick and mortar bookstore. Additionally it will provide Readers and creators a space to have fellowship with others. It will be a space for readings, signings, poetry slams, themed book clubs and swaps, etc.

Where would you like to see this establishment? What would you like to walk into the bookstore and find (other than books as I know I need to bring in more to the establishment). Are you interested in bartering your books for beer/wine/coffee? Do you want to read and then sell your book back? Would you like your book to be delivered to your doorstep if this were an option? Do you want more rare books or are you open to new and used?

I look forward to hearing from all of you

[Teo9969]

What's the most amount of space in terms of square feet you can imagine having? 0 - 1k, 1k - 2k, 2k - 4k, 4k+, 10k+? What all you could fit in to a concept is going to be at least partly determined by space. If it's big enough, you could do everything listed.

#1. Books…New, Used, Themed, Buy, Sell…I think it's less what you have, and more how you have it: Where is it placed, is the place easy to navigate. As far as buying/selling, is the system efficient and useful for patrons, are deals fair, etc?

#2. Reading space

#3. Food/Beverage (Wine & Beer if you can…you also might look at partnering with some business in the vicinity to "cater" (i.e. provide fresh products early in the day that you can sell throughout…a place like Old School Bagels or Kitchen No. 324)

#4. Social place --- Ideally this would be a space that could always be openly social, and have a separate sort of meeting space for events. If a smaller building, the reading space should be adaptable to this, but any events should be on certain days. You want people who want to come and read be able to do so, and those who want to come and socialize be able to do so, and if not everyday, at least on a predictable schedule.

As far as events/etc. go, that's going to ultimately depend a lot on your clientele and what demand is out there. You can do all sorts of meetings in a book store. I know that a Spanish club meets at Full Circle. Anything reading related is obviously a good-fit, but there may be opportunities for other things.

[Pete]

After some deliberation, I have decided to post on this thread. I am the individual pursuing the opening of a local, independent book store in Midtown/Auto Alley. I am also looking at uptown, on 23rd street. I LOVE all the feedback so far, but I am hungry for more.

Primarily, this will be a brick and mortar bookstore. Additionally it will provide Readers and creators a space to have fellowship with others. It will be a space for readings, signings, poetry slams, themed book clubs and swaps, etc.

Where would you like to see this establishment? What would you like to walk into the bookstore and find (other than books as I know I need to bring in more to the establishment). Are you interested in bartering your books for beer/wine/coffee? Do you want to read and then sell your book back? Would you like your book to be delivered to your doorstep if this were an option? Do you want more rare books or are you open to new and used?

I look forward to hearing from all of you

Wanted to quote this post to bring it forward; pagination cut it off and I want to make sure people see it so they can provide feedback.

[bibliokie]

What's the most amount of space in terms of square feet you can imagine having? 0 - 1k, 1k - 2k, 2k - 4k, 4k+, 10k+? What all you could fit in to a concept is going to be at least partly determined by space. If it's big enough, you could do everything listed.

#1. Books…New, Used, Themed, Buy, Sell…I think it's less what you have, and more how you have it: Where is it placed, is the place easy to navigate. As far as buying/selling, is the system efficient and useful for patrons, are deals fair, etc?

#2. Reading space

#3. Food/Beverage (Wine & Beer if you can…you also might look at partnering with some business in the vicinity to "cater" (i.e. provide fresh products early in the day that you can sell throughout…a place like Old School Bagels or Kitchen No. 324)

#4. Social place --- Ideally this would be a space that could always be openly social, and have a separate sort of meeting space for events. If a smaller building, the reading space should be adaptable to this, but any events should be on certain days. You want people who want to come and read be able to do so, and those who want to come and socialize be able to do so, and if not everyday, at least on a predictable schedule.

As far as events/etc. go, that's going to ultimately depend a lot on your clientele and what demand is out there. You can do all sorts of meetings in a book store. I know that a Spanish club meets at Full Circle. Anything reading related is obviously a good-fit, but there may be opportunities for other things.

Right now, I want to do something around ~2000 square feet. I would like it to be an open space, lots of windows as well as some quaint spaces in dark corners for the writing type. There will be plenty of seating to study, read, congregate. I also want there to be a private area that can be closed off off for different gatherings. I have some therapists interested in using the space for a group therapy setting. It would be perfect for private tutoring (something on the table as well) and other meetings of the sort.

I am doing new books and I am on the fence as I consider the used books (bartering old books for beer/wine/coffee and being able to return them for a few dollars less for what they were bought for will depend on if I do used books). There will always be a staff selection in front, I want more space for stock, less for display--whatever display there is will be bold. The books will be organized and easy to find. I am an avid reader with an English degree and I teach English--I plan to be very active in the store guiding readers to desired genres or needs. I plan to have an online database so that buyers are able to check out what is in stock at the time.

The book club, book swap and other events would be at certain times so that it does not interfere with shoppers or those that want to stay and read, write, hang out and socialize.

I want to have late hours to cater to the large student population in midtown. Possibly certain hours where the alcoholic beverages are served. I have considered collaborating with existing food/beverage providers--twist, hurts donuts, aspen coffee (edmond, stillwater native company) and am open to other suggestions in that area.

[DoctorTaco]

Right now, I want to do something around ~2000 square feet. I would like it to be an open space, lots of windows as well as some quaint spaces in dark corners for the writing type. There will be plenty of seating to study, read, congregate. I also want there to be a private area that can be closed off off for different gatherings. I have some therapists interested in using the space for a group therapy setting. It would be perfect for private tutoring (something on the table as well) and other meetings of the sort.

I am doing new books and I am on the fence as I consider the used books (bartering old books for beer/wine/coffee and being able to return them for a few dollars less for what they were bought for will depend on if I do used books). There will always be a staff selection in front, I want more space for stock, less for display--whatever display there is will be bold. The books will be organized and easy to find. I am an avid reader with an English degree and I teach English--I plan to be very active in the store guiding readers to desired genres or needs. I plan to have an online database so that buyers are able to check out what is in stock at the time.

The book club, book swap and other events would be at certain times so that it does not interfere with shoppers or those that want to stay and read, write, hang out and socialize.

I want to have late hours to cater to the large student population in midtown. Possibly certain hours where the alcoholic beverages are served. I have considered collaborating with existing food/beverage providers--twist, hurts donuts, aspen coffee (edmond, stillwater native company) and am open to other suggestions in that area.

I've thought about this a lot, and I think that while there are many decent candidates, one property rises above the rest. The "French Unique" building at 811 N Hudson. This is next door to Elemental Coffee. Elemental already has a great community hub thing going on, and your place could build off that energy. Elemental, though, can be busy and loud. A nice cozy bookshop could complement this energy, while still building off the critical mass of 7-day a week traffic next door. Also there would be opportunities for some collaboration on the food service/coffee front. You would probably need only half the building (I'd go for the "Unique" half). That half is probably about 2800 sq. feet on the ground floor. The second floor could also work as storage, offices for your group therapists, etc.

The space is ideally situated. I have no idea the condition of the interior. Looks like it is owned by Corsair Cattle Company and just sold in 2014.

Leonard Sullivan Oklahoma County Assessor Real Property Detail Sheet

[DoctorTaco]

Also I will add that the location I am suggesting is only a block away from the new OCU Law School.

[AP]

I agree. I think that location would be perfect.

[Mike_M]

I really love the trading books for drinks idea. It's already a proven model with clothing in this city, and it creates great synergy with local shops. Keep in mind that people meet at bookstores and coffeeshops to collaborate. I hold a lot of appointments with people at these places and I personally take into account workspace (table area), noise level, and available seating. Random, but having scratch paper and pencils would be a very cool touch and might be a quick deciding factor for some people.

What kind of books will you focus on carrying? Or rather what can we not expect to find at your shop?

[Chicken In The Rough]

Bookstores have always been a great fascination for me. I love Full Circle, but I feel that it is in the wrong location. If I were opening a bookstore in OKC, I would look to successful independents in other cities. Aside from Full Circle, my favorites are Elliot Bay Book in Seattle, Powell's in Portland, Upstart Crow in San Diego, and Book People in Austin. But my absolute favorite is Tattered Cover in Denver.Each of these, I believe, provides community rooms for meeting. This is great public relations, and it brings customers in. It also gives you the ability to cater the meetings booked in the public spaces. When your community room is not booked, you might consider using it to show art films, foreign films, public domain classic films, or even first run independent films. In my opinion, OKC is badly underserved in this area. You could also offer literature-oriented classes to retirement homes, pubic schools, or the general public. For example, offer a series of classes studying a screen play topped by a screening of the film you've studied. Or, hold a series of poetry appreciation classes followed by a poetry recital. In general, public spaces in bookstores can be used for a variety of purposes, and you will not need to rely solely on books and coffee to attract customers.

[PhiAlpha]

I still like the old Church of Christ the Scientist building. It's a little farther from the law school, but not much.

[shawnw]

Neat building but way more than 2000 sq ft and probably a non-trivial cost to restore to usability.

[Urbanized]

Church of Christ, Scientist also has a sloped floor to further complicate matters.

[bibliokie]

Church of Christ is very large--also the issues with potentially serving alcohol.

[bibliokie]

Also I will add that the location I am suggesting is only a block away from the new OCU Law School.

This space is definitely toward the top of my desired area list. If I happen to serve coffee/wine/beer within the bookstore (potential other local roasters are on the table) then I wouldn't be this close to Elemental. Though, I do like that I could be next to them and collaborate with Ludivine as well. I'll go ahead and throw in the potential of 23rd street/Uptown. It is in the mix with auto alley and midtown.

[bibliokie]

Bookstores have always been a great fascination for me. I love Full Circle, but I feel that it is in the wrong location. If I were opening a bookstore in OKC, I would look to successful independents in other cities. Aside from Full Circle, my favorites are Elliot Bay Book in Seattle, Powell's in Portland, Upstart Crow in San Diego, and Book People in Austin. But my absolute favorite is Tattered Cover in Denver.Each of these, I believe, provides community rooms for meeting. This is great public relations, and it brings customers in. It also gives you the ability to cater the meetings booked in the public spaces. When your community room is not booked, you might consider using it to show art films, foreign films, public domain classic films, or even first run independent films. In my opinion, OKC is badly underserved in this area. You could also offer literature-oriented classes to retirement homes, pubic schools, or the general public. For example, offer a series of classes studying a screen play topped by a screening of the film you've studied. Or, hold a series of poetry appreciation classes followed by a poetry recital. In general, public spaces in bookstores can be used for a variety of purposes, and you will not need to rely solely on books and coffee to attract customers.

I love all of your thoughts. A community space, rather an area that can be closed off and used (rented) by groups is definitely a part of the layout. I have in mind very similar ideas for when it is not occupied, additionally--writing workshops from professors/writers/poets as well as reading and writing tutoring opportunities. I love the film suggestion, definitely on the same page with that. I would like to have poetry nights as well as other readings and performances!

[Just the facts]

Right now, I want to do something around ~2000 square feet.

Are you sure you will be able to do what you want in 2,000 sq. feet?

[bibliokie]

Are you sure you will be able to do what you want in 2,000 sq. feet?

The square footage is not set in stone, but the price is a big thing for me. It also depends on the space. It needs to feel right for my vision.

[bibliokie]

I really love the trading books for drinks idea. It's already a proven model with clothing in this city, and it creates great synergy with local shops. Keep in mind that people meet at bookstores and coffeeshops to collaborate. I hold a lot of appointments with people at these places and I personally take into account workspace (table area), noise level, and available seating. Random, but having scratch paper and pencils would be a very cool touch and might be a quick deciding factor for some people.

What kind of books will you focus on carrying? Or rather what can we not expect to find at your shop?

The bartering for drinks may be something after certain hours so that it is still child and kid friendly.

I hope that the space will be ideal for meetings and collaborations of all sorts. Pencils, pens and writing pads/journals are on the table for potential retail.

The selection will be large, but no textbooks. New, upcoming authors, rare finds. I want to do fiction and non-fiction. You may find cookbooks. You may find travel guides. You will find local greats like Territory. The New York Times and other magazines and newspapers. Right now, I want to start with new books only. Then, later the bartering/selling of used books may come into play. I am not sure that they will go back on the shelf, rather I want to give back to the community. So, I have thought about donating them to halfway homes, charter schools, boys and girls clubs, etc.

In addition to books, the store will offer the unique, spectacular things that go along with them. I am thinking along the lines of: bookcases, book bags, book related pritns, the clothing line, "out of print," journals, pencils, children's educational games, literary-related art work, etc.

[Chicken In The Rough]

Another idea that has been a rousing success at the Tattered Cover in Denver is a weekly show broadcast locally on NPR where authors & publishers are brought in to discuss their recent works. The show is taped before an audience at the store.

[bibliokie]

Another idea that has been a rousing success at the Tattered Cover in Denver is a weekly show broadcast locally on NPR where authors & publishers are brought in to discuss their recent works. The show is taped before an audience at the store.

Yes, I read about this on their site, I love it! I also love having authors come in.

[bibliokie]

would like to get this discussion going again--what about the farmers market for a possible location?

[Pete]

would like to get this discussion going again--what about the farmers market for a possible location?

Welcome back and glad this idea is still percolating!

Farmer's Market would be cool, it's just early.

Perhaps Film Row? Tons of things planned there that will start happening pretty quickly, and in the meantime plenty of buildings that would probably love you as a tenant.

[White Peacock]

A few points that would be met in my ideal bookshop: a large Occult/Metaphysics section; coffee; ample seating; stage area for acoustic gigs; rare books at prices under those of ambitious eBayers.

I've long considered opening an Occult book store, but I think I'd have to tie it in with a second form of income in order to keep a business of that nature afloat in this part of the world.

[zookeeper]

I second checking out Film Row. That place will be bustling in a very short time with a clientele that would seem prime for a book store. Unless money is not an issue, and you're doing it for pure literary love, I would consider new and (high-quality) used books from the start. If you stock used books, stay away from paperbacks and the low-returns for you. People can be satisfied just as easily with a cheap used paperback and I would stay away from that. Keep us informed!

[turnpup]

I've long considered opening an Occult book store, but I think I'd have to tie it in with a second form of income in order to keep a business of that nature afloat in this part of the world.

Too funny...and too true!