Today we’d like to introduce you to Annell Gerson.
Hi Annell, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Bookmiser will celebrate 25 years in business in September 2023. We sell new and used books, support our local schools with required reading, host over ten book clubs, and provide recommendations and camaraderie to our loyal customer base.
How did Bookmiser begin?
It all came to fruition in a 1997 summer vacation trip to southern Florida to visit the grandparents. The idea for a bookstore had been floated for many years, but on an eleven-hour road trip, we had plenty of time to parse the subject and cement the details. The children were riveted with the idea and excited about having input into what most would consider an “adult” decision.
The Bookmiser used the book store concept was born. We all agreed there was no such thing as a “bad” used bookstore. However, we wanted to be different, unique and create a concept that would separate us from others in the industry. Our bookstore would be clean and organized, not dusty, musty and in disarray; the store would be easy to see, easy to find, easy to access; our trade and pricing concept would be simple, keeping rules to a minimum; the inventory would be clean and of high quality; the bookstore experience would include more than books, featuring music of decades gone by—the ‘30’s, ‘40’s, and ‘50’s.
In May 1998, we began the exploration for a location that met our criteria of high profile, visible, and easy to access. In addition, we needed to source inventory so we could “seed” the store until customer trades filled our shelves. For the next four months, it was a constant exploration of garage sales, estate sales, phone calls to leasing agents, and road trips throughout northwest Atlanta.
On September 19, 1998, Bookmiser became a reality–a risk, a dream, and a success. Since then, we opened our current East Cobb location and proudly maintained our Roswell location for over 20 years. Our Roswell location has since closed, but Bookmiser continues to serve Marietta and surrounding communities—hosting author events, facilitating store-hosted book clubs, and yes, selling used and new books.
The outpouring of support from the community was, and remains, tremendous. To our customers, please accept our deepest appreciation and many thanks for validating our decision to create Bookmiser each and every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Bookmiser has survived a plethora of market challenges. In 1998, we decided to expand and relocate both Bookmiser locations just prior to the 2008 economic collapse. In addition, we’ve outlasted many competitors–Chapter 11, Once and Again Books, Borders, and other fellow used book stores. We’ve also adapted to the e-reader and constant online pressures. These challenges have made us stronger and created other opportunities for growth and community support.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I was a professional educator, teaching 6th and 7th grade Language Arts in the Cobb County School System for 10 years. Simultaneously, I helped expand and manage Bookmiser, leveraging my prior professional background in retail and merchandising (Lord & Taylor, Sears).
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Bookmiser has been in business for 25 years, one of the longest-tenured bookstores in the state. People are still “finding” us and don’t realize we’ve been in their neighborhood for that long.
Pricing:
- All new books are discounted
- Most used books are 1/2 price or less
- Customers can trade books and use to pay for up to 1/2 of a used book purchase
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bookmiser.net
- Instagram: @bookmiser
- Facebook: @realbookmiser
- Twitter: @realbookmiser
