Literary Bookpost, Salisbury, N.C., is in the process of merging with Just the Thing, which will add "educational games, gadgets and gizmos in a central area on the first floor, as well as throughout the 7,000-square-foot store," the Salisbury Post reported, adding that although the two businesses will combine operations starting October 1, the owners said each will retain its own name for at least a year.
Literary Bookpost co-owner Bill Greene said the store will become stronger with the merger; the center of the store will feature a large selection of Just the Thing inventory, while the perimeter displays the Literary Bookpost's products. "You put your bestselling stuff where it makes sense," Greene said.
Co-owner Gwen Matthews added: "I'm a team player, so I never really wanted it to be just me in the store.... I kept looking for a unique business that could come in and really complement the books.... Just the Thing will be very incorporated in the whole store, not just in one spot. We want it to look like she's been here for years."
"A lot of what we sell is not just for kids. Teens and adults like to play games, too," said Glenda Dyson, owner of Just the Thing. She, Matthews and Greene will have an equal partnership. "I'm scared and worried and I dread the move, but it's going to be so nice to have a partner and have vacation every now and then. We have a lot of the same customers."
