By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern
At the start of the pandemic, many business owners had concerns of how they were going to continue bringing in business. It was no different for independently-owned Schuler Books with its owners worrying how they could continue to serve their customers and maintain a sense of community during a shutdown. It required the bookstore to go virtual.
“Keeping our customers and staff safe during this time has been our number one priority and will continue to be,” said Schuler Books Event Coordinator Samantha Hendricks.
Through social media platforms, Zoom, Eventbrite, and personal shopping, Schuler Books was able to serve its customers and allow authors and illustrators to connect with their fanbase while staying safe. Moving events onto virtual platforms has enabled authors to continue to foster their relationship with their fans through Q&As and readings.
Since reopening, the store has made some changes requesting in-store shoppers to wear face masks correctly and practice social distancing. They also have the option for customers to put items they do not want to purchase on designated tables marked throughout the store to be disinfected and then returned to its shelf.
Since online shopping has increased during this pandemic, why shop local?
“It’s the personal touch,” Hendricks said. “It goes back to creating and maintaining those relationships with our community.
“Independent bookstores have more flexibility and our main goal is to leave a lasting impression on the customer that feels personal to them.”
Through its personal shopping service, the store has helped its customers in their search and offers suggestions for other similar items. In fact, staff curates lists of book for their customers based on their reading interests.
Schuler Books still plans to continue to host virtual events such as author readings and Q&As during this month and Facebook Live readings of scary stories in the month of October.
For more information on future virtual events you can visit the store’s website or follow Schuler Books on Facebook and Instagram.
