Quiet Days

As the summer spins out it's later days, activity in town and at the shop has gotten slower. The coffee shop next door, my neighbor since I opened in April (and for three years prior to my arrival in Honeoye) is closing at the end of this month. The hours have been cut back over the past few weeks and both yesterday and today, it wasn't open at all. People who come looking for their java fix, or smoothie fix, depending on tastes and temperatures, are left sadly unfulfilled. It wasn't in my plans to provide coffee, especially since the Red Coyote Coffee House and Mackerel Sky Books & More share an entrance,  back door too, as a matter of fact. However, for my own enjoyment and possibly that of my customers it may be something to consider.
The school across the road will be welcoming the students and teachers back from vacation in just a couple of weeks. Hopefully, this will increase foot traffic and sales. E-mails and updates have gone out in advance of the 2010-2011 school year beginning and the elementary school librarian had alerted me to her plans for an author visit to occur in a couple of months. We hope to coordinate a sales program in conjunction with the event.
As town residents find me here, due to word of mouth, from ads or stories in local newspapers and finally noticing the big blue BOOKS banner hanging in front of the shop, sales have gradually increased. I hope to capitalize on my convenient location, right nearby the only drugstore, grocery store and convenience store in town for the holiday season. It's much easier to come to the local 'retail center' than to drive 18 miles or more in snow or ice to shop for anything other than groceries and aspirin. Even though this shop is small, all my customers know that any book or gift item they are looking for can be ordered and delivered in a timely manner.
As summer runs out, the seasonal renters return home and the trees begin to take on their fall finery, I am working to make sure the autumnal leaf peepers and returning school-age-kid families will take advantage of 'that cool little shop over by Subway'.

Excitement on a Sunday!

 Just the latest and greatest news from Mackerel Sky Books & More;

Tried something new today and must simply tell EVERYONE! If you would like to purchase books from me but don't live in Western New York or if you DO live in Western New York and find it difficult to take a road trip to visit in person OR if you would like to send books as a gift to friends and family living in another part of the country IT CAN BE DONE!
Mackerel Sky provides a service called 'Direct To Home'. My distributor can send a book(s) directly to you or your designated recipient! This can be handled via the phone (585) 229-2665 or e-mail at info@macksky.com. Shipping is as inexpensive as $2.65 for Media Mail via the USPS or $4.50 for UPS Ground. Other options are available as well, just let me know what you would like to do.
Don't forget all the gifts available at http://www.macksky.com/... its an amazing selection which can be sent directly to your home. Catalogs are available in the shop if you would prefer to order in person or just give me a call.

More new books in the Poetry section, the Historical Fiction section and the Used Books are spilling over the shelves.
More new artwork from Heather Gillette, check out the Facebook page for pictures.
New card collection from Chapworks along with those useful and amazing Walking Sticks.

Have a wonderful week...
Thanks to everyone for supporting your local independently owned bookstore and gift shop.

Making Changes

As many of the regulars know, this shop gets re-arranged on a regular basis.

The shelves remain in place, too heavy for my puny strength and besides, I like the way they are set up. The artwork, books and gift-y type items are moved at least once a week. It was time to work a little more diligently on the blog here so, of course, that includes changing up the template and playing with colors and pictures and stuff.
Been here a little over three months now, people are getting to know there is a bookshop in town. Several lucky souls have saved themselves a trip to the mall or to Canandaigua since they decided to check out the 'new' shop in town. Many visitors are passing though or just here for vacations, the selection of local books, art and information has been a draw... they tell their friends who tell THEIR friends...
Still working on better advertising, articles in three local papers, coupons or ads locally and flyers have been my go to options. These are working in a limited fashion. My internet presence is on Facebook and the website, http://www.macksky.com/. Its a very slow process attracting more views and fans. Heavens to mergatroid! I don't even have any followers on this blog. Sad.....
Must. post. more. often.
The next level is to have readings and/or signings but deciding when and how to draw as many people as possible has held me back on scheduling an event of that nature.
Any feedback would be most welcomed!

Carol