New Hours!
Monday 10 -5
Tuesday closed
Wednesday 10-5
Thursday 10-7
Friday 10-7
Saturday 10-5
Sunday closed

FYI

Mackerel Sky Books & More will be closing early on Friday, 10-21 (3PM) and will be closed 10-30, 10-31 and 11-1 as well. Wedding duties as the MoH for my best friend.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.

October Update

Welcome to Autumn in New York!

The trees down here in the Finger Lakes are beginning to get their fall finery on, the grapes are being harvested along with pumpkins, apples, squash and the Wineries are inviting all to visit and taste. Take a ride around the area and take part in the festivities!

First up:

1^st Annual Honeoye

Gourds and Pumpkinfest

Main Street, Honeoye

Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 10 AM - 4 PM

2011 Naples Open Studio Trail, October 1st & 2nd, 2011 10am-5pm

Brochures are available all over Naples and the surrounding area, including here at Mackerel Sky, in addition to the individual artists studios.  Pick one up and let your adventure begin! 

Grab your brochure and your friends and come on out!

Goings on at Mackerel Sky:

October Sale: 20% off all 2012 Calendars, Datebooks & Journals

Hundreds to choose from, make your choice, order and you'll be set in plenty of time for the new year... fast, free delivery with in-store pickup.

Artist of the Month: Dorothy Harrison, Honeoye resident, artistry in paint and jewelry. "I really enjoy color be it in paint form, yarn or wire. The flowing colors are thrilling." Stop in and enjoy her beautiful, colorful creations!

Coming soon: Photography Exhibit by David Scribner of Rochester, Art Exhibit by Tanya Olsen, HCS Art Exhibit from Mrs. Alden's students.

Make sure to take advantage of Mackerel Sky's Customer Loyalty Program... whenever you purchase a new book, gift or work of art you will receive a small card with five boxes along the bottom. Every item you get is acknowledged with a stamp. When you have accumulated five stamps bring the full card in to get 20% off your next purchase. You can make your own sale! No expiration date and if you end up with five cards, each with one stamp (or any other combination of cards and stamps) that will still work. :)

Check out the NEW website!

Same address, macksky.com, with all new content such as:

video book trailers

best seller/recommendation lists

event information

photos of artwork and links to artists

map and directions to the shop

prizes (click on the red ribbon in upper right corner)

Check it out.... will update often, feedback most appreciated!

Remember and pass it along:

Books and Gifts can be special ordered anytime.

Free shipping for in-store deliveries!

Gift Cards always available ($10 - $25 - $50)

Mackerel Sky Books & More has all kinds of neat stuff.

C'mon down and give yourself a break from the everyday.

Browsing is always free.....

CLUB READ

Mackerel Sky Books & More would like to invite you to Club Read, a fun weekend with authors. Independent bookstores up and down the east coast have gotten together to host a booklovers retreat with a dozen authors. This is an intimate gathering of authors and readers, with fun activities hosted by the authors.

Club Read is Saturday, October 15, 2011 through Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Mariners Landing in Huddleston, VA  (www.marinerslanding.com)

Registration is limited to customers of select independent bookstores. The registration code for Mackerel Sky customers is mackeren.  The weekend’s registration fee is $500, which includes the hotel, and four meals (Saturday’s lunch and dinner and Sunday’s breakfast and lunch).

More Info Here

NEW!

Thank-You Card for all my wonderful repeat customers... purchase 5 (five) new books or gifts, get 20% (twenty percent) off your entire purchase on your next visit! Stop by and get yours today, or tomorrow... any day really... :)
Remember: Summer Hours Now In Affect Effect  In Progress Until 9/30/11 Sun: 10-3    Mon-Wed-Thu-Fri: 10-7    Tue: closed
For teachers, parents and students: Are you looking for review books and study guides for upcoming finals and standardized tests? Would you rather save time and gas by shopping right here in Honeoye? Any review book, guide or title on your summer reading list can be purchased right across the street from school at Mackerel Sky Books & More. If the book you need is not in stock in the shop, it can be ordered at no extra charge. Fast delivery!
For the month of May, prices on all new books will be discounted by 20%!
May 14,2011: Author Visit at 1:00pm  Ralph Esposito  Paranormal Researcher & Author
For you daring on-line shoppers! May 1, 2011 through May 7, 2011  Purchase $20.00 or more in lovely gifts and you will receive a $10.00 Gift Card for free! Gift cards can be used on the website or in the shop, they do not expire or lose value.
Celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Mackerel Sky Books & More!

http://www.macksky.com/

Anniversary Celebration!

Visit www.macksky.com, check out the merchandise, you'll agree we have quite the selection to choose from! Make a purchase between midnight May 1, 2011 and 11:59 pm May 7, 2011 of $20.00 or more and you will receive a $10.00 Gift Card for free! Gift cards can be used on the website or in the shop, they do not expire or lose value. Celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Mackerel Sky Books & More!

More anniversary deals in the shop from May 1 to May 15.
Planning a wedding? Shower? Special Anniversary Celebration? Milestone Birthday Party?
Thinking about favors or centerpieces? Has Mackerel Sky got some ideas for you... check it out!

            

           

What could you do with these exquisite lanterns? Beautiful tablescapes await... just $6.95 to $19.95 each.

Defiant Daffodils

Ah yes.... that time of year! Pretty flowers poking their heads up to check out the weather. It has been fairly unpleasant for the poor dears, not to mention the rest of us, the past couple of weeks. However, as it is said, 'This, too, shall pass.'

On to the news:

Mackerel Sky Books & More will be closed on Sunday, April 24th for the Easter holiday. We will also close on May 30th to observe Memorial Day and will open on Tuesday, May 31st, instead.

May 14th - AUTHOR VISIT! SATURDAY 1:00PM Ralph Esposito, author and paranormal investigator from Rochester, will be in the shop to talk about his exploits, autograph books and collect stories of paranormal adventures from right here in Honeoye! Stop down and enjoy goodies from Red Coyote Cafe at the same time...

May is our One-Year Anniversary Month - save 20% on all new books and gifts from May 1 until May 15. Summer Hours will be taking effect May 1, as follows:

Sunday 10-3

Monday 10-7

Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday 10-7

Thursday 10-7 1st Thursday of every month: Writer's Club 6:00 pm

Friday 10-7

Saturday 9-4 Story Time 2:00 pm

Remember in these times of high gasoline prices, SHOP LOCAL!

Stop in for unusual and unique gifts, books of all kinds and wonderful art work from local artists and artisans.

Save time and money by supporting your local businesses.

All The News....

On Sale for the Month of March: The calendar's Poster Month for Bi-Polar Disorder!
If you can still find some Christmas stuff in the store, its yours at 50% off retail. Calendars and date books are 40% off. Get ready for Spring with any new book on gardening and save 20%.
Kathleen Armitage, an artist from Canadice, has paintings, one-of-a-kind cards and jewelry on display in the shop. She is selling all of her work for 20% off the original price. There are selected wood sculptures made by Bill Ewert, another local feller, which are also selling for 20% off the original price. Stop down and check out the artwork by several local people and starting Wednesday, March 9, work from Ms. Alden's HCS 7th Grade Artists.
Beginning Saturday, April 2 - Storytime at Mackerel Sky!! We will have storytime for kids and kids at heart beginning at 2pm every Saturday.
One other bit of good news... look for the coffee shop next door to re-open this month! YAY! COFFEE!

New Year, New YOU!

JANUARY SALE

20% OFF

    HEALTH/WELLNESS      EXERCISE  &  COOKBOOKS

AN EXTRA 10% OFF FOR CURVES MEMBERS

Happy New Year

Thank you to all my loyal customers for a wonderful 2010! I look forward to seeing you in 2011 and beyond!
January is often a time for people to take stock of the past year and
think about what goals and hopes they have for the new one.
To assist in that endeavour, Mackerel Sky Book & More is discounting
all new Health & Wellness books, Cookbooks and Diet/Excersize books
by 20% for the entire month!
Stop by and check out all the ideas and support available to you!
As you all know, if it isn't in stock, it can be ordered! Your order will
be at the shop in a matter of days so you can get started on the new
year and, if it is your goal, a new you!
Upcoming:

Author Visit at HCS, Children's Author Laurie Keller on Tuesday January 11.
Ms. Keller's books are available for sale at a 10% discount and can be pre-ordered.
Contact the school library for further information.

More artwork from the talented students at HCS!

I am always looking for new authors, artists, artisans and photographers to exhibit and/or sell work at the shop. Very fair consignment terms! If you are, or know, one of our many talented residents, please feel free to stop in or call!

New Winter Hours are as follows:
Sunday 10-3
Monday 10-5
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 10-7
Thursday 10-7
Friday 10-5
Saturday 10-5

Thank you again for all your support!

Happy Time!

The Holiday Shopping Madness is in full swing! Stop down to the shop to see all the great gifts available at great sale prices! Everything in the store is at least 10% off, new Childrens' and Holiday books are an additional 20% off and all Gifts are an additional 25% off!  If you prefer shopping on-line, there is still time to get your decorations, gifts and more on the website, http://www.macksky.com/! Shop at 3am in your jammies!!
All orders placed before December 16th will go out in time for pre-Christmas delivery.
Check out the pics below to see just how fine we look for the Holidays!

Welome!



Ornaments! Cards! Books! Art!





Yes we are Open seven (7) days a week until Christmas!

 



Stained Glass by Heather Gillette

 

Holiday decor, gifts and more!



ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR!!

All Righty, Folks..... This is it! The time of year when you can shop with no guilt! There are deals to be had and its all for your favorite people in the world!
On the Mackerel Sky website, www.macksky.com, from Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25, 2010 until Cyber Monday, November 29, 2010:

30% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER!

30% OFF SHIPPING ON ORDER OVER $100.00!

Fiscally responsible shopping, in your pjs at 3:00am!

JUST DO IT!

November at Mackerel Sky

All right, folks! Its November and that means Thanskgiving, snow and one more thing... MY BIRTHDAY!! Everyone gets to enjoy November on line with 20% off EVERYTHING on the website! Shipping deals until the end of the year!!  Check it out: http://www.macksky.com/

Here in the store, all the new children's books, new holiday themed books are 20% off until November 30th!! ALL GIFTS are on sale at 25% off, too, until the end of the year!

Coming Soon: Artwork from the talented students at our own Honeoye Central School!

CATALOGS!! I have two great Holiday catalogs for you, FREE! One for BOOKS and another for HOLIDAY GIFTS AND DECOR!

Best way to make a wish list... mark a title or item in either catalog and leave it laying around for someone to 'find'.

Holiday hours will begin after Thanksgiving, so be on the lookout!

Enjoy your turkey and stuffing, get accustomed to the wintery weather....

October

...is almost over already?! I haven't posted anything on here in more than a month?!
Halloween is nearly here, got a great little event happening on that very day, right here in the shop:

HALLOWEEN THING 
Sunday, October 31 from 11:00am until 3:00pm
Free stuff for the kids!
Spooky Story Time at Noon and Two
Raffle for a Bucket o'Halloweenish Swag - enter the drawing with the donation of a non-perishable food item to benefit the Honeoye Community Food Pantry.
Make It & Take It Crafts
All New Halloween and Inspirational Books - 20% off
Pirate Swag - 25% off

November is around the corner and the Holidays are just weeks away.

HOLIDAY CATALOGS FOR BOOKS & GIFTS 
Free to all... stop in next month and pick 'em up!
November 1st through 30th:
Children's and Holiday Books - 20% off!
ALL GIFTS - 25% off
(does not include consignment art or jewelry)
Mackerel Sky is close to home, right in Honeoye!
or
Shop on-line in your pj's at 3:00am!!
http://www.macksky.com/

Septemberrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....

Join me at Captain Redbeard's Feast on Saturday, this weekend... September 4, 2010!

The Mackerel Sky booth will be offering Pirate Swag at 25% off, used books with a semi-not-really-but-kind-of-pirate theme (like One Drop of Blood by Thomas Holland and Caribbean by James Michener), calendars, journals and all manner of pirate-like attitude. You even get to see me in pirate-like garb! Such a thrill cannot even be imagined...
Never mind the rain or cool temps or algae blooms.... a good time will be had by all so come on down to Sandy Bottom Park and join the Krewe!!

http://www.captainredbeards.com/

September's sale at the shop is on Cookbooks and Craftbooks 20% off!

A Little About Me...

Just recently I became a member of NAIBA, the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association. They are a regional group that allows booksellers to connect with other booksellers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington, DC. As part of joining up, the following Twenty Questions survey was sent along so current members can get to know 'moi' . Since I get a lot of questions from customers and other business people, like, "Why are you doing this, you silly person?" (insert John Cleese-like voice complete with accent) I thought I would share my responses with all you lucky, lucky souls. Feel free to chime in with your answers, might be fun.

Question #1 What was the path that led you to bookselling?

Like a great many of us, I am an avid life-long reader. In college, my major was English Literature, Language and Pedagogy (high school English teacher) with a minor in Theater Arts. As a student and afterwards, most of my jobs were in some form of retail. I had finally come to a point where the annoyance factor of working for someone else far out-weighed the rate of compensation. This small town had no bookstore but they had a lake and I owned a nice house within viewing distance of same. A seed of insanity planted itself and that is how I came to open my own very own bookstore and gift shop here in the beautiful Bristol Hills of Western New York.

Question #2 How did you prepare to become a bookseller?

First thing was to get a business plan done. With the help of the SBA in Buffalo, NY, my home town, that was completed and financing came through that connection as well. Inspired by the on-line story of two women opening a shop in New York City, I chose my distributor, Ingram Book Company, and things took off from there. I got a lot of instruction and support from the SBA, Ingram and Booklog. The rest I have learned on the fly.

Question #3 What didn’t you expect when you opened/bought your store?

So far, I have been lucky. Nothing horribly unexpected has occurred, well, aside from the coffee shop next door, one of my earliest supporters and cheerleaders, deciding to give up the fight and close their doors for good. It was a bit of a shocker since part of the reasoning for choosing this particular space was the coffee shop/book shop dynamic. Other than that, nothing else of an unforeseen nature has taken place…… yet. It has only been four and a half months after all.

Question #4 What was the best advice you’ve been given about bookselling?

Keep your chin up, market your brains out and take one day at a time.

Question #5 What advice do you give to new booksellers?

See above and get in with a good distributor, make sure you have good software to keep your inventory straight and enjoy yourself.

Question #6 Who is/was your mentor in the industry?

That’s hard to say, I have had a great deal of help from my salesperson at Ingram. My contacts at Booklog have also been very informative and willing to help. I read ‘The Bookshop Blog’ but other than that, I don’t really have one ‘go to’ person.

Question #7 What categories sell best in your store?

Fiction is the big seller, for the most part. A lot of people look for history, both fiction and non-fiction, especially local history which I make sure to provide. The used books get at least a once-over by almost every customer that comes in the door, as well.

Question #8 What is your best advertising vehicle?

So far, the most mention has come from articles printed in local newspapers. First was an article on the new business in Honeoye from the Canandaigua paper (nearest city), then the local Honeoye Herald asked me to write up a press release, the majority of which was used in an article entitled, ‘Holy Mackerel!’, again about the shop opening. The next was an article done by the Rochester (NY) Democrat & Chronicle for their ‘Women to Watch’ feature. This one was in the paper and also on-line (http://www.herrochester.com/article/20100723/WOMEN_TO_WATCH01/307240001/-1/women_to_watch). The other item that brought in several people was a coupon flyer in the local Pennysaver. In conjunction with my Grand Opening hoopla, that one flyer produced a lot of word of mouth and actual customers.

Question #9 What are your best non-book (sideline) sellers?

I carry local artists, photographers and gifts. I suggest doing a little research on local authors and artists to bring in work and products no one can find anywhere else. Also, any book related items, bookmarks, book ends, puzzles or games enclosed in a book-like box are always nice to have. You can check with your book distributor.

Question #10 What ways do you put your store in the public/community eye?

I regularly e-mail the teachers and administration at Honeoye Central Schools. Due to my previous life as a flea-market/craft show vendor, many people already know me and know to find me at a brick and mortar place in town. I use the local media (see entry above about advertising) and make sure I have flyers or rack cards at other local hotspots, restaurants, B&Bs, the grocery store and bank, among other things (Golden Oak Alpaca Farm! The Wizard of Clay!).


Question #11 What do you do particularly well as a bookseller and a bookstore?

Getting the books people want to the people who want them in a timely fashion. Special orders are big business here since my shop is not what you would call large. There is no extra charge for the service and I make sure to order regularly so everything comes in within five business days. I make sure to smile at and greet everyone, no matter the weather or dearth/masses of customers. Lord help me, I am a people person. And generally ‘perky’. And always helpful, directions, publication dates for new work by favorite authors, even getting everyone their own ‘Captain Underpants’ name (http://www.inthe00s.com/archive/membersonly/smf/1111764873.shtml).

Question #12 What ways have you developed to upsell to customers?

Buy one, get one promotions. If they mention they are buying a gift I suggest an art card to go with it. If they are interested in a book that is part of a series, I make sure they have them all and let them know the date the next one is coming out or mention another book series by the same author.

Question #13 What are your personal handselling favorites?

Whichever book a customer asks for. I just go to the shelf and pull it out for them. I’ve been lucky that way.

Question #14 What are your biggest rewards in bookselling?

Meeting the people in town, visitors from all over the world, the artists and authors. Just being around books and art all the time.

Question #15 What is the biggest challenge or threat facing your store at the moment?

The closing of the coffee shop, the economy and oh, the economy.

Question #16 What change would make it more manageable?

Having someone take over the coffee shop, it is for sale.. anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Also, winning the lottery would be of great help to me, both personally and professionally.

Question #17 What new skills or knowledge are most needed among your staff and/or new hires?

Right now, I’m the staff, latest hire, chief cook and bottle washer. Probably getting to know the Booklog program would be the first and most important order of business if I were hiring.

Question #18 Have you recently undergone any physical changes to your store (such as moving, renovating, downsizing)? If so, why? And how has it affected your business?

Just opened April, 2010. I re-arrange often, does that count?

Question #19 How is your time divided in the store? (ie: buying 40%; customer service/floor time 5%)

I do it all, baby! I just take it as it comes. Juggling tasks is a skill, it may not be mastered yet, but I am getting there.

Question #20 What are the big and small changes you’ll be making for your business this year?

Adding author visits and a storytime for children. Probably going to have to start serving coffee, too

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