by Ross Rojek | Dec 20, 2024 | Blog
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the shop,
Not a sound could be heard, not even a drop.
The shelves were all stocked with the greatest of care,
In hopes that book lovers soon would be there.
The novels were nestled, each one in its place,
Mysteries, classics, all dressed up with grace.
Cookbooks and thrillers, all cozy and bright,
Awaiting the readers who’d come for a bite.
The owner sat back, in his worn leather chair,
He’d dusted the spines and arranged with great flair.
A cup of hot cocoa steamed close at hand,
He dreamed of more customers, oh, that’d be grand.
When out on the sidewalk there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his seat to see what was the matter.
Away to the window he flew like a flash,
Peeked out past the fairy lights strung in a sash.
The streetlamp shone down on new-fallen snow,
Illuminating the shoppers who walked to and fro.
When, what to his wondering eyes should appear,
But a group of book lovers bringing good cheer.
With shopping bags full and smiles so bright,
They came to the bookstore that magical night.
Eager for novels, for poems, and for lore,
For the treasures that lay inside the store.
He flung wide the door and welcomed them in,
As pages and stories their journey would begin.
They browsed and they chatted, laughed in delight,
Filling the store on that magical night.
Then a voice rang out, deep and so jolly,
“Do you have Dickens? Or perhaps something folly?”
He turned with a grin, and what did he see?
But a customer dressed as Saint Nick, jolly as can be.
He picked up a novel, then two and then three,
Stories of mystery, of love, and the sea.
With a wink and a nod, he said with delight,
“I’ll take these for now, and a cozy read for tonight!”
They gathered their books, each story a gift,
With tales to inspire and spirits to lift.
Then out the door they went, all in a row,
Books in hand, their faces aglow.
The owner watched on, a tear in his eye,
As the bookstore had been filled with cheer by and by.
And he heard them exclaim, as they walked out of sight,
“Happy reading to all, and to all a good night!”
by Ross Rojek | Aug 18, 2024 | Blog
When you think about buying your next book, where does your mind go first? For many, the convenience of online shopping or a quick trip to a big chain bookstore might seem like the obvious choice. But have you ever considered the impact of shopping locally? Especially when it comes to finding the perfect book, the experience at a local indie bookstore like Capital Books in Sacramento offers something that the big chains and online giants simply can’t match.
In this post, we’ll explore the many reasons why shopping local in Sacramento—specifically at Capital Books—is more than just a purchase; it’s an experience that fosters community, supports small businesses, and provides a level of personalized service that’s hard to find anywhere else. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Sacramento or just passing through, Capital Books is a must-visit destination for any book lover.
The Charm of Shopping Local: A Personal Experience
There’s something undeniably charming about stepping into a local bookstore. The cozy atmosphere, the smell of fresh paper, and the carefully curated selection of books that reflect the tastes and interests of the community. At Capital Books, located on K Street in the heart of downtown Sacramento, that charm is alive and well. Unlike the impersonal experience of shopping at a big chain, where books are often chosen based on national sales trends, Capital Books offers a selection that feels personal and thoughtfully chosen.
When you shop at Capital Books, you’re not just another customer. The staff takes the time to get to know you, to understand your reading preferences, and to offer recommendations that you won’t find from an algorithm. This level of personalized service is something that larger chains and online retailers simply can’t provide. At Capital Books, the staff are not just employees—they’re fellow book lovers who are passionate about what they do.
Building Community: Why Shopping Local Matters
Shopping at Capital Books is more than just a transaction; it’s an investment in your community. When you choose to spend your money at a local business, you’re supporting your neighbors, creating jobs, and helping to keep Sacramento’s downtown vibrant and unique. Local businesses like Capital Books reinvest a significant portion of their revenue back into the community, whether through taxes, sponsorship of local events, or partnerships with other small businesses.
In contrast, shopping online or at a big chain often means that your money leaves the community, going to distant corporate headquarters with little reinvestment in your local area. By choosing to shop local, you’re helping to ensure that Sacramento remains a diverse and thriving community with a strong local economy.
The Unique Selection at Capital Books
One of the standout features of Capital Books is its carefully curated selection of titles. While larger chains may stock hundreds of copies of the latest bestseller, Capital Books takes pride in offering a diverse array of books that reflect the interests of the Sacramento community. From locally authored works to obscure and hard-to-find titles, the selection at Capital Books is a testament to the staff’s dedication to providing a unique shopping experience.
This curation extends beyond just books. Capital Books also stocks a variety of literary-themed gifts, journals, and other bookish accessories that make perfect gifts for the book lovers in your life. The store’s multi-level layout means there’s always something new to discover, whether you’re browsing the latest releases on the main floor or exploring rare finds in the basement.
Convenience Meets Community: Online Shopping and In-Store Pickup
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. That’s why Capital Books offers an online shopping option that allows you to browse their selection from the comfort of your home. But unlike faceless online giants, when you shop online at Capital Books, you still get the personalized service that the store is known for. You can choose to have your books shipped directly to your home or opt for in-store pickup, which gives you a chance to stop by the store, chat with the staff, and perhaps discover a new favorite book while you’re there.
In-store pickup at Capital Books is more than just a convenience; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your community. By choosing to pick up your order in person, you’re supporting a local business, saving on shipping costs, and reducing your environmental footprint. Plus, you get the added benefit of personalized service and recommendations that make shopping at Capital Books a truly unique experience.
The Impact of Shopping Local vs. Big Chains and Online Retailers
It’s easy to fall into the habit of shopping online or at big chains, especially when they offer the allure of low prices and fast shipping. However, these conveniences come at a cost—one that’s often borne by your local community. Big chains and online retailers prioritize volume and profit over the quality of the shopping experience, and the profits they generate rarely make their way back into the local economy.
When you shop at a local business like Capital Books, you’re making a conscious choice to support your community. You’re helping to keep Sacramento’s downtown vibrant and unique, and you’re supporting a business that genuinely cares about its customers and its community. In return, you get a shopping experience that’s personalized, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying.
Capital Books: A Must-Visit Destination for Book Lovers
If you’re in Sacramento, whether as a resident or a visitor, a trip to Capital Books should be at the top of your list. The store’s unique selection, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to the community make it a standout among bookstores. From the moment you step through the door, you’ll feel welcomed and at home, whether you’re there to browse, pick up an online order, or attend one of the many author events hosted at the store.
In a world where shopping has become increasingly impersonal, Capital Books offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a place where you can slow down, savor the experience of choosing a new book, and connect with a community of fellow readers. So the next time you’re in need of a new read, skip the big chains and online giants, and make your way to Capital Books in Sacramento. You’ll be supporting a local business, investing in your community, and enjoying a shopping experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Conclusion: Make Your Next Book Purchase at Capital Books
Supporting local businesses like Capital Books is more than just a good deed; it’s an investment in the community and in the quality of your shopping experience. The personalized service, carefully curated selection, and sense of community you’ll find at Capital Books simply can’t be matched by larger chains or online retailers.
Whether you’re browsing in-store or online, Capital Books makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, with the added bonus of knowing that your purchase is making a positive impact on the Sacramento community. So the next time you’re in the market for a new book, remember to shop local in Sacramento—at Capital Books on K Street. You won’t be disappointed.
by Heidi Rojek | Dec 8, 2019 | Blog, Running a Bookstore
I realized it’s been many, many months since I blogged about our journey of opening, and now running, a bookstore. January will mark the one-year anniversary since we signed the lease. About this time last year, Ross and I were scouting locations to do this little venture of ours.
I used to think that I was an extrovert until we opened the bookstore. See, I’d never done retail in my life. Not even as a teenager. But, after nine months of running the bookstore now — and being the one who mostly is behind the counter — I find myself “communicated out” by the end of the day. Don’t get me wrong. I love chatting with customers who come by. But it’s exhausting to do all day long. By the time I get home, I just want to sit in a corner by myself and not talk. Or write. Obviously.
My husband recently said: “You don’t realize what’s coming.”
He was referring to the upcoming holiday shopping season. He’s a retail veteran, having run comic book stores for many years pre-me. I really had no idea, but took his word for it. We’re just now beginning to see an uptick in patrons, which is exciting. We’re ready for it. I spent several days decorating the store for the holidays. I decorated so much that I told my now-adult kids: “I’m not putting up Christmas at the house.” I just don’t have it in me.
The most surprising thing about running the bookstore — to me — has been that it feels like when you have to pack up your house, move, and unpack. We seem to do this every couple of weeks at the store. There’s a constant reorganization going on that’s pretty exhausting, yet exciting at the same time. I thought we’d be set for the holidays when I made our windows at the end of November. Well, I was wrong. Ross decided that it would be better to have books and games in the windows to entice people into the store. GAH! He was right. Again. So, last night, I transitioned the holiday decorations from both windows over to the blue table.
The bundled boxes aren’t selling either. Really bummed about that. Everything this first year is an experiment for us. I’m thinking this one is a fail.
What I’ve learned over the past year since starting renovation of the store is that I needed to carve out time for myself — the ever-popular term these days: self-care. I was pushing myself way too hard and needed more down-time. The trouble is that Lily the Bookstore Dog doesn’t understand “We’re not going to the bookstore today.” In fact, as I write this entry at home on a Sunday, she’s sitting by our front door grunting at us. She takes her job greeting customers seriously.
So, here’s to my very first holiday season of retail.
