After Shannon Piserchio was laid off from her insurance job last year, she and her husband, Gary, a technical writer, decided to open their own business. When it came to determining a type of retail establishment, they found inspiration in the common interests that first drew them together: books and writing. "Any time we go somewhere, we always gravitate toward bookstores," said Piserchio. Two of their favorites are an ocean apart: Tattered Cover in their hometown of Denver, Colo., and Shakespeare & Co. in Paris, where they visited last year. "It was a really amazing experience, the whole vibe," said Piserchio. "We decided we wanted that."
The Piserchios' journey from patrons to the proprietors of their own Denver store, the Bookery Nook, was filled with suspense and serendipity. Shortly after they decided to proceed with the venture last September, "the bottom fell out of the economy," Piserchio said. "The bankers loved our business plan, but when it got to the underwriters' desks they wouldn't even consider funding a startup."
Undeterred, the couple found a storefront in north Denver. While researching the area, Gary came across an article about loans being offered by the city's Office of Economic Development to entrepreneurs looking to start or expand businesses in several targeted neighborhoods. The Tennyson Street storefront the Piserchios had found was in one of those areas, and their request for funding was granted. "It was really with their input and willingness to even give us a shot that we were able to make this happen," Pisercio said. "We're so grateful to the city of Denver for that."
The Piserchios transformed a former bike shop into the Bookery Nook, which opened on April 1. They did most of the renovations themselves and chronicled the endeavor on the store's website and Facebook page. The décor was inspired partly by another of Piserchio's favored Parisian establishments--a Christian Louboutin boutique. The same signature red hue on the soles of the designer shoe purveyor's footwear is used on lacquered display tables, the main door and awnings along the front of the store. The building's new street number was selected by the Piserchios after it was discovered that the city had retired the former digit. They chose 4280, a play on 5280, the altitude in feet of the Mile-High City and the name of a local magazine.
The Bookery Nook's 1,200 square feet of selling space currently stocks some 4,500 general interest titles. "We're staying flexible and listening to what the community needs and wants," said Piserchio. Along with books, customers are responding enthusiastically to paintings, jewelry and other works by local artists on display. "People are really in tune with the art in the store," she added. "We love that aspect of it."
Some 20% of the store is devoted to children's books and toys, and a weekly story hour for tots called "Tuesdays with Mommies" begins on May 12. Other events will include a visit from former Denver Broncos player and local sportscaster Reggie Rivers, who will discuss his book My Wife's Boyfriend & Our Feud with the Highlands Ranch Homeowners Association. Sports fans and customers with kids aren't the only ones welcome at the Bookery Nook. Those with canines are invited to bring their pets into the store, where dog treats await.
When it came to learning more about the industry, the aspiring booksellers turned to Colorado colleagues for advice, including Craig Morgan, the owner of Clear Creek Books in Golden. It was on Morgan's recommendation that Piserchio attended a training session with Paz & Associates earlier this year. Piserchio also found guidance in Rebel Bookseller: How to Improvise Your Own Indie Store and Beat Back the Chains by Andy Laties (Vox Pop). Her assessment? "It should be required reading for bookstore owners. It's fantastic."
The Bookery Nook's grand opening celebration is planned for mid-May with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and other festivities. Among the attendees will be councilman Rick Garcia, a strong supporter of local businesses, and possibly Denver's mayor, John Hickenlooper, who received an economic development loan when he founded Wynkoop Brewing Company. "We're really hoping that he has a soft spot for small businesses and that he'll come and bring some press to the event," Piserchio said.
The Bookery Nook's neighboring businesses include independently owned shops selling wine, clothing and other goods, art galleries and a historic theater, and businesses work together through a merchants association. An art walk takes place one evening a month. "It's a vibrant community," said Piserchio. "It's an artsy, bohemian, up-and-coming neighborhood. We absolutely love the area." So much so, in fact, that she and her husband might be making it more than just the site of their business. They're considering moving there.--Shannon McKenna Schmidt
The Bookery Nook is located at 4280 Tennyson Street, Denver, Colo. 80212; 303-433-3439; thebookerynook.com.