Page 4 Local Business Today • Thursday , March 28 , 2024 post . mnsun . com
All Booked Up at Big Hill Books
It was never Beth Thompson ’ s dream to own a bookstore . She ’ s always loved books , and bookstores have always been her happy place . But to own and manage a bookstore ? That was never the plan .
After a 32-year career in corporate communications , Thompson planned to retire in 2023 to do what fortunate retired people get to do , which is , whatever they want to do .
But then life tossed her the proverbial curve ball . Eighteen months before her planned retirement , Thompson found herself without a job .
Three weeks after leaving corporate America , a neighbor mentioned casually that the property of a family-owned business in their Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis was for sale . “ Wouldn ’ t that be the perfect location for a bookstore ?” she asked . The charming little shop is located in Bryn Mawr ’ s downtown business district , across the street from Cuppa Java , an independent coffee shop . “ Why , yes it would ,” Thompson agreed . “ And I ’ d be its No . 1 customer .”
That conversation played over and over again in her head for weeks until an epiphany woke her from a sound sleep . Could it be she was meant to become the owner of this bookstore ?
As the idea took root , Thompson asked family members , friends , and her financial planner for their thoughts . With very few exceptions , they told her it was an opportunity worth pursuing .
As a temporary retiree , Thompson had the time and passion to learn everything she could , as quickly as possible , about the book industry . Fortunately , the Twin Cities ’ independent booksellers community is full of generous , smart people who welcome the chance to mentor future bookstore owners .
Along Thompson ’ s networking journey , two golden nuggets of advice stood out . A bookstore owner encouraged her to register for an in-person bookstore training workshop to determine if she really had the chops to become a bookseller . It was during that workshop that she got her second significant piece of advice — if she wanted to “ play bookshop ,” she should get out now . But if she truly wanted to run a business , then buckle up and start taking lots of notes .
“ That ’ s the thing about owning a bookstore ,” Thompson says . “ Like any small retail business , it ’ s lot of hard work . But booksellers are passionate about what we do and what we sell — especially in today ’ s divisive and challenging environment .” The customers who ’ ve visited Big Hill Books have consistently praised the curated inventory and the beautiful , well-appointed space . “ This kind of feedback has made all of our hard work well worth it ,” said Thompson .
Eight months after its July 2023 grand opening , Big Hill Books is lucky to have great employees , as well as loyal friends , neighbors and volunteers who are committed to making sure this new bookstore is around for many , many years .
Big Hill Books is a general interest bookstore that sells new titles , as well as cards , journals , puzzles and home goods . Its lower-level meeting space , affectionately known as “ The Ugly Church Basement ,” is open to book clubs , community groups and party planners . Email hello @ bighillbooks . com for more information .
Beth Thompson , a resident of the Bryn Mawr neighborhood , opened Big Hill Books in July 2023 .
Big Hill Books is located at 405 Penn Ave . S . in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis . “ Bryn Mawr ” is Welsh for “ big hill .”