A Visit to the Bookie's (Paperbacks and More)

In September of 2006, after 16 years of service to the Beverly Neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago, the ownership of the used books store --- The Bookie's Paperbacks and More --- changed hands. Larry Kroff, the founder and previous owner of the store, decided it was time to move on to other pursuits and passed the reins onto Allison Platt, one of the company's longterm employees.

As soon as the contracts were signed and all transactions finalized, Ms. Platt wasted no time in making improvements to the store. The alteration of some of the policies and a swift floor plan readjustment told the regular customers that the store was under new management.

From September through December of that year, a flurry of new ideas were imagined and implemented before one of the tenured employees regretfully left the store for bigger -- but not necessarily better -- things.

Among other changes, customers found price labels on the books -- a practice long missing as a nod to collectors -- instead having to do sometimes complicated math in their head, a newsletter signup list appeared and an informational website was created.

Already well established through word-of-mouth, the store created more visibility by designing and printing useful brochures that happy patrons could now pass along to their friends and family, either as a suggestion of where to go for inexpensive used books and discounted new books, or as a wishlist of books and other items they would like, which is encouraged by an interior section of blank lines titled 'Wishlist'.

Over the next year, Ms Platt steadily made more adjustments. The front window, which was once cluttered and difficult to see into was cleared out and opened up for a visible browsing area; several book genre sections were moved, putting more similar topics together; teens for years had been asking for their own section and now they have a comfortable corner of the store to gather and gossip about their favorite books; whenever possible, new shelving units were added; previously unused blank wall and endcap space now displays information, reviews, or impulse buys in clear plastic wall hanging files.

When I stepped into this old familiar store for the first time in over a year, I was astounded! My old haunting grounds had become a new magickal place that I wanted to revisit and explore. Allison Platt's fresh approach has invigorated the store in ways that were sorely lacking. These changes -- plus much more -- in the year and a half she has held the ownership has really opened the old store up to new possibilities and the thriving results are astounding.

If you happen to be in this Southside Neighborhood of Beverly in Chicago, take your time to stop and chat with the staff and customers. Pick up some books, find new authors. Other plans are in the works and suggestions and ideas for improvement are appreciated.

Other than the new floor space changes and customer conveniences, The Bookie's also offers telephone orders, quantity orders of new book titles, discounts and free books for teachers, a periodic newsletter that tells of discounts, specials and events, gift cards and much more.

Despite the innovative new changes, the store still does business as it has over the last 18 years by trading used books for store discounts. The selection is still as large as ever and books are ordered special every week.

Call the store or visit the website for more information. Address: The Bookies Paperback and More / 2419 W 103rd St / Chicago, IL 60655. Hours: Open 7 Days from 10am to 7pm Phone: 773-239-1110 Website: http://www.bookiespaperbacks.com

Crossposted to Great Changes on LiveJournal.