Judge Books by Their Cover – Why Every Store Should Sell Books

books, retail, inventory management, book selection, store owners, customer engagement, book margins, reordering, specialty retail, emotional connection

Today, I’m so excited to welcome back a truly inspiring guest and one of our amazing clients, Alana Turner. She’s the passionate owner of Poopsies in Galena, Illinois, and this is her second time joining us on The Richer Retailer podcast. Alana has a deep love for books and a gift for helping specialty retailers confidently sell books in a way that feels aligned, profitable, and authentic. She’s here to share her journey, her practical tips for managing book inventory, and why books aren’t just products, they’re emotional connectors that can transform your store and your customer experience.

Why Books Might Just Be Your Store’s Most Underrated Secret Weapon

Let’s have a real-talk moment about something that might surprise you, selling books in your retail store. Yep, books.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: Books? Really? But hear me out. I recently had the absolute pleasure of chatting with one of our incredible clients, Alana Turner, owner of Poopsies. This was her second time on the Richer Retailer podcast, and she shared so much heart and wisdom about why retailers should sell books, why they deserve a place in specialty retail, and why they might just be one of the smartest moves you make for your store.

Watch the full episode in YouTube: 

https://youtu.be/r5ByDid5F6w

Books Are Emotional Magic

Here’s the thing about books, when you sell books in your store, you’re offering more than just a product. You’re creating an emotional connection. When a customer picks up a book, something happens. Maybe it reminds them of a memory, sparks a smile, or offers a little escape. And that moment? It’s gold. It keeps your customers in your store longer, soaking in the experience—and we all know that more time in-store means more opportunity to buy.

In a world that feels fast and frantic, choosing to sell books invites people to slow down, breathe, and savor the moment. That kind of connection? It’s priceless.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Start Small, Start Simple

I get it, the idea of book selection can feel totally overwhelming, especially when you’re thinking about how to sell books in your store. There are thousands of titles out there! But Alana’s advice is pure gold: don’t try to conquer the world of books all at once. Pick one category that fits your store’s vibe whether it’s kids’ books, humor, travel, or even cookbooks—and start there.

Better yet, find a book rep to be your guide. These folks are book experts who live and breathe the latest and greatest titles, and they can help you confidently sell books without the stress. They’ll curate a selection for you, so you don’t have to drown in choice paralysis. Plus, you can start small with just a few copies of each title, making it low risk and easy to manage.

Books Build Your Brand and Your Story

One of the most powerful insights Alana shared? Books can be a storytelling tool for your store. At Poopsies, their book selection perfectly reflects their mission, spreading joy. When your customers connect with those stories and values, they’re not just buying a book, they’re taking a little piece of your store’s heart home.

Books become part of your brand’s vibe, reinforcing who you are and why customers love you. It’s that kind of authentic connection that keeps people coming back.

Pro Tips You’ll Want to Steal

  • Judge a book by its cover. I know, it sounds funny but your customers do judge books this way. Make sure your covers pop and catch the eye!
  • Track sales in quantity and dollars. Sometimes the little $9 books add up faster than pricier titles. Keep an eye on both.
  • Don’t fear markdowns. Books tend to move fast even when discounted, so marking down unsold titles can actually boost sales and free up space.
  • Pair books with related products. Plush animals next to farm books? Genius. It’s about creating little moments that make shopping fun and intuitive.

Listen to the full episode here: 

Your Store, Your Journey

If you’ve been hesitating to sell books in your store, I want you to know this: it’s easier than you think, and the payoff can be so much bigger than you imagine. When you sell books, you’re adding warmth, connection, and yes profit, all wrapped up in one beautiful package.

I’m so grateful to Alana for sharing her passion and wisdom with us, and I’m even more grateful to YOU for showing up every day with heart and hustle. Your store matters. Your work matters.

Millie Moment:

  • Take a fresh look at your store, could books be the missing spark?
  • Reach out to a book rep today and ask for a curated list tailored to your vibe.
  • Start small, grab 3-4 books that feel right and watch the magic unfold.
  • Track what moves fastest by quantity and by dollars to find your star sellers.
  • Don’t be afraid to mark down slow movers, they’ll fly off the shelves faster than you think!

Resources & Links

Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group

💚 Remember: You are a remarkable retailer making a meaningful impact in your community. Every choice you make, big or small, adds to the story your store tells and the connections you create. Embrace new opportunities like books to bring joy, learning, and comfort to your customers. Keep believing in your vision, keep showing up with your unique passion, and know that your dedication is seen and deeply appreciated. You’ve got this, and your store is a bright light in the world. Keep shining!