Good Books is an independent bookstore located in Cornwall, New York, opened in September by Jason and Heather Locy. The bookstore was established to provide a community space centered around reading and conversation, particularly as the town's Main Street developed with new retail businesses. Likewise, the Locys, "motivated by their shared interest in literature and support for small businesses, envisioned a space where residents could explore a variety of books and engage with others."
The store offers a wide range of genres, including nonfiction categories such as "biographies, philosophy, and cookbooks, as well as fiction options like mystery, science fiction, and works by local authors." Additionally, Good Books features a selection of young adult and children's literature. The bookstore also sells merchandise such as branded mugs, tote bags, puzzles, notebooks, and activity books for children. Regular events include author signings, book clubs, and storytimes for children—The store plans to introduce workshops for local middle and high school students in the future.
Inclusive Independent Bookstores
Good Books in Cornwall, New York is Community-Focused
Trend Themes
1. Community-centric Retail - Good Books exemplifies the movement towards retail spaces that double as community hubs, making stores more than just places to shop.
2. Genre-diverse Bookstores - The bookstore's inclusive inventory highlights the trend of providing a wide variety of book genres to appeal to diverse customer interests.
3. Experience-driven Events - Author signings, book clubs, and workshops illustrate the growing demand for experiential events in retail to foster deeper customer engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry sees innovation through stores like Good Books that combine shopping with community-oriented experiences.
2. Publishing - Publishing benefits from bookstores that support a wide range of genres and host events promoting local and diverse authors.
3. Education - Workshops and educational events at bookstores represent an intersection of retail and education, promoting lifelong learning and community education.