Magnolia & Main Books, a new indie bookstore, opened May 9 at 810 Main St., Ridgeway. While the store offers a mix of products, the largest portion is books, and plans to have a grand opening ceremony later in the month.
Magnolia & Main Books selection will be mostly priced under $25 with a large selection of used books and gifts. Morton believes in keeping prices affordable for everybody. “I can’t go out and spend $20, $25 on a book every couple of weeks, and I know other people can’t either” She expects many items in the store will be under $10. Books range in genres from YA to non-fiction.
The store had previously planned to operate at small events as a pop-up shop.
“I started everything on April 7th, before I even had time to do the first pop-up event. I saw the for-rent sign out here,” Traci Morton, owner, said. “It’s been incredible the way people have been supporting almost all of the used books have been donated.”
The store will continue to accept donated books with the caveat that they are clean and from a smoke-free home.
The space will have a place for children to play and parents to read in the back, with coffee available for readers who need caffeine.
“Any kid that comes in, I want them to have a book so that their mom doesn’t have to choose who’s getting a book that day.”
The free, age appropriate books are donated, and Morton hopes they help ease the burden on families. Moms are also invited to sit and read while their kids play in the store.
Morton is offering space in her shop to other small businesses. Merchandise from Cullen Libby Waterworks, Tiny Creations, and Wonderland Crafts will offer wares for sale in the bookstore.
“I definitely want to have some author signings,” Morton said, noting she is able to use the larger conference space next door to host events and plans to do so once the store is settled. She also expressed interest in working with the library.
The store is open Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Parking is in a gravel parking lot located next to the store.
