Independent bookstores, once thought to be fading in the face of online retail giants like Amazon, are not just surviving – they’re thriving. A testament to this resurgence is the expansion of Learned Owl Hudson, a beloved bookstore in Hudson, Ohio. Owner Kate Schlademan is broadening her literary horizons by taking over a second location, much to the delight of local book enthusiasts.
This exciting development also brings good news to patrons of The Book Shelf in Northfield Center. This established bookstore, located on East Aurora Road, has been acquired by Schlademan and Hudson resident Wes Hilton. They have rebranded it as The Thrifty Owl, signaling a fresh chapter with a focus on used books. The pair recently finalized the purchase from Patti Shirkman, who is embarking on a well-deserved retirement.
Alt text: The Thrifty Owl bookstore exterior in Northfield Center, Ohio, showcasing its welcoming storefront.
The Enduring Appeal of Independent Bookstores
While the total number of bookstores has seen a decline, the number of independent bookstores has actually grown in recent years. This counter-trend highlights the unique value these local businesses offer.
In 2019, U.S. census figures recorded 6,045 brick-and-mortar bookstores, a significant drop from the 12,151 in 1998. However, a 2020 study partly funded by Harvard Business School reveals a compelling narrative: independent bookstore numbers swelled from 1,651 in 2009 to 2,470 in 2018 – a remarkable 49% increase.
This resurgence is no surprise to Patti Shirkman or Kate Schlademan. They understand the intrinsic appeal of independent bookstores.
“People love to come in,” Shirkman explained. “We can recommend books to them, we offer a personal touch. We get to know our customers and what they like. You get to know people.” This personal connection, absent in online retail, is a cornerstone of independent bookstore success.
Schlademan echoes this sentiment, “That’s the fun part,” she added. “Bookstore numbers are continuously growing. It’s a great trend to watch. We are going in the right direction.” This optimistic outlook underscores the vibrant future of independent bookselling.
Alt text: Interior view of Learned Owl bookstore in Hudson, Ohio, displaying shelves filled with books and a cozy reading atmosphere.
The Book Shelf’s Legacy and The Thrifty Owl’s New Beginning
The Book Shelf has a rich history in the community. Shirkman recounted that it began as The Book Rack in the early 1990s, originally located in the Southgate shopping center in Maple Heights. She was an employee of this franchise when owner Rick Brewer decided to retire. In 2006, Shirkman took ownership, renaming it The Book Shelf and shifting away from the franchise model to better serve local schools with classroom reading list books.
The Book Shelf became known for its diverse inventory, catering to a wide range of reading tastes. From true crime and paranormal fiction to Amish fiction and extensive children’s and Young Adult sections, the store offered something for every book lover. Alongside books, they also sold curated items like baskets, bookends, and puzzles. However, used books formed the majority of their stock, a tradition that will continue at The Thrifty Owl.
Bookworms appreciated the store’s trade-in policy, allowing them to exchange books for in-store credit. Schlademan confirmed this customer-friendly practice will remain a feature of The Thrifty Owl.
Shirkman, a former school librarian at Ledgeview Elementary School, looks forward to spending more time with her family in retirement but plans to occasionally help out at the store. Running The Book Shelf was a family affair, with her father-in-law, a former principal, and her husband both contributing to the store’s operation over the years.
Schlademan, who herself worked at Learned Owl Hudson before purchasing it in 2013, had been contemplating opening a second bookstore. “I’ve had this in the back of my mind,” Schlademan said. “My customers were asking for us to open in another location. But it was a daunting prospect, to find a place, then get inventory and then set up.”
The opportunity to acquire The Book Shelf presented itself as a perfect solution. Shirkman, seeking retirement, had been searching for a buyer. “I had struggled to find a buyer,” she said. “I was so happy when (Schlademan) called. People tell me all the time they are happy that we are staying open.”
Interestingly, Shirkman and her husband had previously considered buying Learned Owl Hudson when it was for sale. “Me and my husband tried to buy The Learned Owl,” Shirkman recalled. “But we were told that we needed to be in Hudson.” Now, the bookish baton has been passed, connecting these two independent bookstore stories.
Alt text: Kate Schlademan, owner of Learned Owl Hudson and The Thrifty Owl, pictured inside The Learned Owl bookstore.
Grand Opening and Future Literary Adventures at The Thrifty Owl
The Thrifty Owl is planning a grand opening event tentatively scheduled for October 29th, from 4 to 6 p.m. Current operating hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schlademan hopes to extend hours to include Thursdays before the holiday season, providing even more opportunities for book lovers to browse.
Looking ahead, The Thrifty Owl, accessible online at thriftyowl.com, aims to expand its services to include online sales and host engaging events like author signings and book clubs, fostering a vibrant literary community. Just like its parent store, Learned Owl Hudson, The Thrifty Owl is poised to become a cherished local gem for book enthusiasts.
Visit The Thrifty Owl: 152 E. Aurora Road, Northfield Center. Contact: 330-468-3736 or thriftyowl.com
Visit Learned Owl Hudson: 204 N. Main St., Hudson. Contact: 330-653-2252 or learnedowl.com
