Inside East Bay Booksellers, patrons perused, turned pages, and read their newly acquired books amid hundreds of new titles.
Brad Johnson, the store’s proprietor, felt that basic physical contact helped to stimulate human senses in ways that internet buying just cannot.
“There’s a defiant counter-cultural streak in people who are regulars at bookstores,” Johnson stated. “We do need to sort of continue to stake our flag where we’re at and continue to be the counter-cultural force.”
In July, the cherished East Bay Booksellers burned down. He was able to reopen the bookstore on Saturday, a few blocks north of its original location on College Avenue, thanks to donations from loyal customers totaling about a quarter of a million dollars.
“I decided that Small Business Saturday would be a suitable time to open. Given the sheer volume of books we own, I anticipated that opening would be a little more difficult. As they waited for more books to be placed on the shelves, Johnson said, “But it turned into a little bit more soft.”
The store at 6022 College Ave. in the Rockridge Neighborhood had a bustling first day, with both new and returning customers.
“I stood by them during the pandemic. I donated to their GoFundMe page following the fire. Tracy Thompson bought nine books and remarked, “I came today to celebrate its re-opening.”
Particularly on Small Business Saturday, some consumers stated that they want to be deliberate about where they spend their money, concentrating on local establishments like Oakland’s vinyl record store Open Mind Music.
After COVID, many small firms have found it extremely difficult. Shop owner Henry Wimmer stated, “Events like Small Business Saturday truly give people a chance to come together and not only send Jeff Bezos out into space, but to find a place for small businesses like Open Mind Music.”
In addition to keeping local money in the neighborhood, Wimmer stated that smaller businesses prioritize the experience and happiness of their patrons.
“Discovery is a continuous process. Additionally, people truly enjoy browsing these aisles and discovering something unique,” Wimmer remarked.
In an effort to attract bargain seekers, some retailers on Saturday offered discounts of up to 50%.
A robust December will help them get through the slower January and February months, said to Mary Ann Norman, owner of Love Again Fabrics, Handmade Closet.
“We have classes. Thus, we have instructors that come in and assist folks who wish to learn how to knit, crochet, or sew,” Norman explained.
Smaller stores acknowledged that it could be challenging to compete with big-box stores and internet merchants, but they compensate by offering an unrivaled shopping experience.
“We hope people are as excited about the re-opening as they were devastated by the loss,” Johnson added.
Customers were reminded by business owners that in order to succeed, they require assistance all year long, not just on Small Business Saturday.
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