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Twin Cities bookstores thrive as readers look to shop local

Illustration: Victoria Ellis/Axios Twin Cities independent bookstores are thriving as customers look to local sources for the latest reads. The big picture: Though brick and mortar stores are struggling in the age of online shopping, indie bookstores have seen a resurgence nationwide over the last few years, per Despite, many shops are now reporting sales numbers higher than pre-COVID. State of play: Axios spoke to five independent book stores across the Twin Cities, and all said they’ve returned to or exceeded pre-pandemic sales numbers. What they’re saying: An increase in foot traffic as people get out more is a big reason behind the boom, several stores told Axios. So is a desire to shop local, said co-owner Ann Woodbeck. “People believed what they heard during the pandemic: if you don’t support local businesses, they won’t be there when you come back. Our regulars cared that we survived,” Woodbeck said. Yes, and: “,” a subcommunity on TikTok where users recommend literature, has also contributed to the local bookstore hype. owner Matt Keliher said he’s added a romance section partially because the genre is so popular on BookTok., which primarily stocks Native authors, sees customers visit just to make TikToks about the store, manager Halee Kirkwood told Axios. What’s next: Though there might be the regular seasonal slump, bookstores think the boom is here to stay. “People value personal recommendations and their local community. We’re doing better than ever before, and I think we’ll stay that way,” Kirkwood said. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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