BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Lit Actually Romance Bookshop in Baldwinsville is different from most bookstores. The bookshop only sells one genre of books, romance.
Lit Actually opened in July of this year. The owner of the bookshop, Kelly Vann, says there is a growing demand for the romance genre.
“People are really seeking out these new stories, these happily ever afters, these meet-cutes and there’s an appetite for it. So when you really get hyper focused you can have a lot more titles for that sub-genre than you could at a regular interest store,” said Vann.
Vann’s goal was to dive deep into the romance genre and explore the niche.
“When I was thinking about opening a bookstore, I thought what is the niche, what’s the space where I can play and where I really think I can thrive. And, we have some really great bookstores in Central New York and a lot of general interest and so I thought what are the things that we can do to make this place really special and specific for the romance readers,” said Vann.
Vann understands the challenge of competing with major chains like Barnes & Noble and Target. The owner tries to make the experience more unique and personalized with various bookmarks, calendars and knickknacks for sale.
“There’s a lot of extras here to add to your entire experience when you come in,” said Vann.
Lit Actually is located above Olive’s Eatery. However, it is not the only shop in the building. It is one of nine women-owned businesses.
“We’ve been really excited to be part of the village and part of Olive’s community,” said Vann.
Right next to Lit Actually is Molly Mae Boutique. The owner, Corinne Johnston, started the business with her daughter. Johnston appreciates the addition of Lit Actually to The Shoppes at Olive’s Eatery.
“We love the romance books. It’s fun to be up here and have the women come up the stairs and hear them giggle. And its brought a lot of new customers and new faces into Olive’s Eatery and into the whole Shoppes at Olive’s Eatery,” said Johnston.
Now, Vann is preparing for the holiday season with the addition of holiday romance books, decor and ornaments.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: A local bookshop focuses on selling only one genre of books
Elizabeth Gottlieb: Many go to Olive’s Eatery to grab a bite and catch up with friends. But upstairs they can discover Lit Actually Romance Bookshop, that only sells one genre of books.
Kelly Vann: When I was thinking about opening a bookstore, I thought what is the niche, what’s the space where I can play and where I really think I can thrive. And, we have some really great bookstores in Central New York and a lot of general interest and so I thought what are the things that we can do to make this place really special and specific for the romance readers.
Gottlieb: Kelly Vann is the owner of Lit Actually and knows that there’s a demand for the romance genre.
Vann: People are really seeking out these new stories, these happily ever afters, these meet-cutes and there’s an appetite for it. So when you really get hyper focused you can have a lot more titles for that sub-genre than you could at a regular interest store.
Gottlieb: Lit Actually is not the only business at Olive’s Eatery. It’s one of nine women owned businesses.
Kelly: We’ve been really excited to be part of the village and part of Olive’s community.
Gottlieb: Right next to Lit Actually is Molly Mae Boutique, which Corinne Johnston owns and started with her daughter.
Johnston: We love the romance books. It’s fun to be up here and have the women come up the stairs and hear them giggle. And its brought a lot of new customers and new faces into Olive’s Eatery and into the whole Shoppes at Olive’s Eatery.
Gottlieb: Vann’s goal is to make the shopping experience special for customers.
Vann: There’s a lot of extras here to add to your entire experience when you come in.
Gottlieb: For NCC news, I’m Elizabeth Gottlieb