by Joao Bicalho
Staff Writer
“Enter As Strangers. Leave As Friends.”
The sign is still at the Landing Bookstore & Newsstand — it’s just a few feet away from where it used to be.
Michael Leegstra, business manager, said the new store opened its doors in mid-May and offers a much friendlier and cozier feeling.
“It was such an open space out there. It felt more like a warehouse to us,” he said.
Customers’ feedback indicates the move from near the main entrance was good. There is a warmer feeling to the store, said Leegstra.
However, some customers think the store is closed, so the bookstore has put some signs in the Landing to make them aware of the move, he said. Several weeks ago, the bookstore and Sundrez essentially swapped locations.
Most customers are people who find good deals and return to the bookstore either to make a second purchase, or place book orders because of the price, he said.
“It’s the best price in town, I know that,” said Leegstra.
The traffic in the store is slower in the morning and picks up in the afternoons, he said. That’s the time Leegstra has to work with the store’s on-line orders and they keep him on the go.
William Pease, business manager, has been working at the bookstore for four years. His lifelong love for books and the joy he finds mingling with customers is his motivation.
According to Pease, the store specializes in new, used and rare books. They can sell books up to 80 percent off the retail price because they buy in-stocks and overstocks as well. And, they get good prices at auctions.
Pease believes that independent bookstores are more successful than chains because they offer a more personable service — provided they have floor traffic, he added.
The bookstore also offers a free membership for the “Bookie Club.” Customers that come to the bookstore, either on business or vacation, can join the club, said Pease.
The club has members from all over the world including Holland, England, New Zealand and many other countries. When they compare prices and realize they can buy titles for a fifth of the price they would normally pay in their home county, they place the order, he said. They pay postage and the book is on its way.
After searching for a title for many years, Father Phillip Gaged, the head of the pastoral staff at St. Vincent’s Medical Center found a rare book, Pease said. Gaged, a Jesuit priest originally, always talked about “The Jesuits,” a book which has been out of print for years.
His reaction?
“He was ecstatic,” said Pease.
The bookstore has access to more than 25,000 copies inside the store and 130,000 outside and is a member of the American Bookseller Association.
356-2466