Business Spotlight: Edmonds Bookshop
Small businesses and the people who own and work in them are the heart of our Edmonds community. They make our downtown unique, authentic and welcoming.
In this series, we highlight the independently-owned businesses of Downtown Edmonds, and learn more about the folks that make them run!
Meet Michelle Bear from Edmonds Bookshop.
What is your favorite part of your business?
(only one?!) Connecting books with readers.
Why did you start your business?
More like, why did I purchase this existing community treasure? Having worked here for seventeen years (total)—when Mary Kay asked if I’d be interested in buying, it was an easy YES, as this has been a home for me and our community for so long, and I wanted to continue the tradition. So three years on, I haven’t regretted a second!
What is unique about your business?
What is unique about the independent bookstore world, is we all support each other: Independent Bookstore Day (IBD)—it was April 27th this year, and our local chapter Seattle Independent Bookstore Day (SIBD) are examples. We recommend customers to each other, we see each other at trade shows, and share our stories.
Why should people do business with you?
Doing business with us, versus any big online retailer, for example, means that more of your dollars stay in your community. Shopping local really does work.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I used to also work for the City of Edmonds, Parks Department, as a Ranger-Naturalist then Interpretive Specialist.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your business?
We have our website, where customers can order books, find events (like our new children’s story times,) and check out our new t shirts and sweatshirts (in store too!)
What are your hours of business?
Monday – Wednesday 10am to 6pm
Thurs 10am to 8pm
Fri – Sat 10am – 6pm
Sun 12pm – 5pm
Edmonds Bookshop
111 Fifth Ave S
Opened in 1972
Photo by Matt Hulbert
