Nicola's Books survives in Ann Arbor even as Borders works through bankruptcy
Many in Ann Arbor value independent book seller Nicola's Books in Westgate Mall, but that doesn't mean owner Nicola Rooney has been immune from industry changes.
Still, her business stands as strikingly viable when compared to the freefall at Borders. A recent article by McClatchy-Tribune News Service talked to owner Rooney and one of her buyers, Bill Cusimano, about the national rebound of independent book retailers.
AnnArbor.com
By Christmas 2010, she was benefitting from some hot-sellers and a push to urge early shopping - necessary, she said, because some reorders wouldn't be available.
I talked to her on the morning that Borders filed for bankruptcy. “It’s a sad day that we’re getting to this," she said.
As an independent book seller, Rooney competes against Borders. But as a retailer caught in a rapidly changing industry who is reliant on many of the same publishers poised to lose millions as Borders repositions itself, she’s hurt, too.
The irony that she's headquartered in the same town as Borders wasn't lost on the national report about the survival of Nicola's Books: See the McClatchy article here.
Comments
Karen
Tue, Mar 22, 2011 : 2:27 a.m.
I'm a little late to this forum, but I want to say for the record that I think Nicola's is a shining example of how a small, intellectually-focused business can thrive in a place like Ann Arbor. Who are any of you to rebuff it because someone at the counter didn't say "thank you" to your liking? Really? Is that where we've gotten in our society? (side note: have you ever worked retail??) Yes, customer service is important. However, it doesn't sound like you were treated SO egregiously that you could justify turning your back on them as the Shaman Drum and even Borders fall in our midst. The fact is that we need to support local businesses for the value that they bring to our community. Nicola's supports local authors and feeds our community in ways other stores simply can't (I mean, they have a fairy door!). This outweighs any bad day that you might have had during your shopping. Big picture, folks.
Nicola Rooney
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 4:55 p.m.
I would like to reassure the concerned person that there is connection between the ad for Nicola's Books on annarbor.com and the stories in the body of the site. The connection is nothing more than current events - the upheaval in the book business. Nicola's Books staff are always available to speak with reporters about events that concern our store. We do not have control over the timing of the release of these stories, but they are more likely to be being posted while the topic is considered current. I take note of all the comments posted, and share them with members of staff as an opportunity for improvement.
Andrea
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
We shop there sometimes, and only once have I had a friendly cashier. Every other time, the employees behind the counters are busy with other tasks and don't even look up to direct me to another worker. And yes, I also have had an entire transaction completed without the cashier making eye contact. I like to support local businesses, but Nicola's is not on the top of my list.
Somewhat Concerned
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
I just remembered seeing Nicola's ads on this site. Is there a relationship between running ads and getting a laudatory "story" run on this site, or is it just a coincidence?
Somewhat Concerned
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
The store is a mystery to me. I'm a book lover and a book buyer who supports independent bookstores, but this store is a tough one to support. I have visited three or four times because its location is convenient for me and because I like the indies. I've never received good service or even friendly service. I have been at a cash register with someone who spent the entire time talking to another cashier and managed to complete the transaction without looking at me (I'm not great looking but I'm not repulsive). I have received more help in the form of book recommendations and felt more welcome on the main floor of the Liberty Street Borders, where people seem to be trying really hard. Nicola's is a strange one. Incidentally, I recognize the woman from your photo, and her smile in the photo is the first one I've seen.
jcj
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
"felt more welcome on the main floor of the Liberty Street Borders," Well go back to Borders then!
Carole
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 1:37 p.m.
Great store - marvelous rapport with the folks who visit and surely hope she and her fine books are around for many a'year. Thanks for being in our community. Will be seeing ya soon.
Newzdog
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.
I have always enjoyed shopping at Nicola's, have found them to be very friendly and for a realitively small store they have an amazingly extensive selection. It is no secret because Bill Cusimano is one of the best at what he does. I enjoyed listening to him when he was on local radio. We should all support local businesses.
AAHS Alum
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 3:15 a.m.
In the past I used to visit nicola's, but no more. I have spent many dollars there in several years ago. The last two times I was there I found an unpleasant clerk. The first time was when the clerk did not say "'thank you," as policy stated , I asked her and she argued with me that the that she had said so! When I asked again but kept insisting that she had told me! Nicola heard me and she came over and she said that I must have not heard her, Nicola did not say 'thank you' either. Second time I was buying almost $100.00 worth of gifts, books and she kept talking with the cashier, did not even look up!! I can go to elsewhere to spend my money~~~~
jcj
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Really? Fact is stranger than fiction. You must be very limited in the number of places you will do business with. Sounds like an episode of Seinfeld! That's a TV show.
seldon
Thu, Mar 10, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
Seriously? You're boycotting them because the clerk didn't say "thank you"? People are oversensitive these days.
Adams
Wed, Mar 9, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
I shop at Nicolas because they've always been prompt with obtaining books I ask for, the in-store service is spot-on, and I always leave with a smile on my face after shopping there. I do not want them to end up like Borders. Buy local.
Linda Peck
Wed, Mar 9, 2011 : 10:17 p.m.
The smallness of Nicola's is attractive, plus the books and magazines and gifts are nicely displayed. They have a very cozy fireplace and furniture to sit on. All of this is appealing. I support local businesses.
Wystan Stevens
Wed, Mar 9, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
Roger Rapoport, writer of the article, knows Ann Arbor well. A U-M grad from the radical 1960s, he was a lively editor of the Michigan Daily, the student newspaper.