We all realize the straits independent bookshops are in. Print books can only finance the store so far. Many stores have opted to offer toys, gift items, some have opened a coffee shop within. So, with this in mind, why not utilize some of the pieces books and other items sit upon. If the piece of furniture is interesting enough, it will catch the eye, and not only sell what’s placed on it, but perhaps the furniture piece itself.
For example: upon entrance to the store, a unusual coffee table loaded with the newest best seller and a few gift items would certainly make a quick impression. Discreetly on the side of the table is a tag, with cost of the table itself, so if someone is struck at what a cool piece of furniture you have in your store, the info and purchasing price is at their fingertips. When I used to do juried craft shows, we had to put up a display from scratch at each venue. I found through a catalog, a great set of 11 drawers in a dark cherry wood. Very tall and thin, with the perfect height to use the top as our counter, this piece of furniture held our overstock, so we needn’t pull plastic containers from under tables or bags from the back of the tent. Instead, we would slide out a drawer within a specific genre of jewelry was housed, and check for the item in question. Or to replace a sold item. The drawers were an unquestionable help in selling. And, one of the most asked about things in our tent. People wouldn’t look at my jewelry, but ask, where we got the drawers–the name of the company, the cost–details I didn’t have, nor did I care about–their interest in my purely commercial furniture piece only annoyed me. How different may it have been, if when asked, I gave them price and option to buy. Even if one quarter of those interested had purchased a cabinet on hand-I would have made a profit equal to, or above what I may have sold in jewelry.
Another piece that intrigues me is their large chest of drawers. I see so many cool uses for this piece in a bookstore. Here’s a few: One drawer is opened with latest paperback titles displayed. Another holds gift items like fancy paperclips or sets of colored artist pencils. Still another has bags of hand ground coffee from the eating area of the store. A few of the drawers are pulled out to different lengths, the rest stay closed, used for overstock.
Which ever way the bookshop owner utilizes furniture like this, I have no doubt that it would certainly pull a customer in and intrigue them enough to stick around, checking out other pieces of stock, including furniture.
