Local bookstores in today’s modern era: strategies that keep them competitive
In the age of e-books and Amazon dominating, local independent bookstores are proving the love for physical books— and the communities they create— is far from over.
Despite past predictions, independent bookstores haven’t faded away. They’ve evolved and flourished, offering unique experiences that online stores can’t replicate.
Owls Nest Books, one of Calgary’s oldest independent bookstores, is looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary this June. They specialize in excellent customer service, especially choosing books for book clubs. The store also ensures to keep the books readily available in stock for their customers.
“The challenge, and it’s a continuous challenge, is keeping up with trends and making sure that you’re keeping an eye on what is starting to sell,” says Judith Duthie, one of the co-owners of Owls Nest Books.
The bookstore plays a huge rule in the local community. They host a lot of events and support local self- authors that places like Amazon can’t. It is great place for the self-published authors to start small and grow big.
“By waiting that extra time they’re making sure that we stay in business,” said Duthie.
The store continues to grow by organising school book fairs. A fundraiser for the schools where 20% of the sales go back to the schools for them to buy books for their library.
Independent bookstores, if they are smart and keep creating those great relationships with their customers will surely run in the future, according to Duthie.
“I love my relationship with our customers,” said Duthie.
With a lot of bookstores being shut down, Books Between Friends (BBF) is a well know (independent) bookstore running for the past 20 years in Whitehorn, Calgary.
The entire purpose of the store is to raise money for charity, and they’ve given over a million to charity, according to Louise Nesterenko, owner of Books Between Friends.
The store has over 4000 members on their flyer list and a total of 58,000 books to choose from.
“So, I would say the biggest challenge is keeping up and trying to keep up,” said Nesterenko.
BBF attracts a bunch of new customers every day with their very affordable prices selling over $1,000 on a huge day. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays tops their list of huge days.
The store plays a crucial role in today’s local community because they provide books at a very low price to help.
This is a must visit place for mystery, history, and non-fiction book lovers. Working in the store is therapeutic according to Nesterenko’s doctor.
One thing that could be changed about the book industry today is, “lower the price,” said Nesterenko.
Owning a store feels satisfactory. You get to meet a lot of people and talk to everybody.
“What’s good is that it’s more personal. It’s more personal, there you have it. It’s way more personal,” said Nesterenko.
These local book heavens continue to prosper with passionate booksellers, devoted customers, and community engagement.
Independent local bookstores remain a cherished part of the local communities they belong to in Calgary.
Judith Duthie, one of the co-owners of Owls Nest bookstore, Calgary is photographed in the bookstore on Feb.11, 2025
Judith Duthie, one of the co- owners of Owls Nest bookstore, Calgary, is photographed arranging books on Feb. 11, 2025.
