Turn A Page is Stapleton’s Independent Bookstore You Didn’t Know We Had
Turn A Page Book Shop may be a relatively new neighborhood bookstore, but when you walk into the welcoming space it feels like it has always been there. Owned and operated by Heather and Stephen Friend, the store is located at the corner of Montview Boulevard and Dallas Street, three blocks south of the Stanley Marketplace in the area known as Westerly Creek Village.
“It was Stephen’s dream to one day own a bookstore. Although in different departments, we both worked at the Tattered Cover,” Heather says. “Our experiences there prepared us with the knowledge and ability to run our own bookstore so, I helped him open Turn A Page then, he turned it over to me!”
The couple commutes from their home near Wash Park to run the store, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Heather handles the day-to-day and Stephen works late afternoons and on the weekend.
“We are the entire staff right now,” Heather says. “We’re lucky because we work really well together and this store has become our second home.”
The store’s inventory boasts a selection of 10,000 “gently used and loved” books of all genres, including special editions, a growing children’s section, and all are affordably priced. Customers who would like to trade in their own books may do so for store credit.
The store offers several special deals. On the first Thursday of the month, everything in the store is 25 percent off. Every day, educators can enjoy 15 percent off and those with a military ID are entitled to a 10 percent discount.
Turn A Page hosts a children’s story hour every Saturday at 11 a.m., which the owners hope will bring in more patrons to explore the store’s offerings. There are a few different cozy spots to curl up with a book, something Heather encourages.
“We see ourselves as more than just a store. We are open to serve customers from all walks of life so anyone can say, ‘I can afford to buy a book here,’” Heather says. “We want to encourage literacy and a love of reading. It’s especially fun to see a kid’s eyes light up when they find a book they love.”
The store recently opened an account with a book distributor that will allow them to carry a selection of new titles. Future plans include uploading their inventory to their website, processing special orders, and shipping books to any location for added customer convenience.
Customer service is key to their business model, helping to set them apart from chain bookstores and online giants like Amazon.
“Talking to and connecting with our customers is a big part of my day. Building a strong customer base requires more than just providing a product,” Heather says. “It involves interpersonal connection, honesty, authenticity and humor.”
She adds, “You can’t get that from a business that sees their customers as dollar signs. Yes, money is important, but so too is the experience one has while shopping.”
To learn more about Turn A Page, visit their website at http://www.turnapagebookshop.com/books/ or stop by the store at 9575 Montview Boulevard. Like their Facebook page @TurnAPagebookshop for announcements, updates and events.
