Congratulations to Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, Ga., which is marking its 15th anniversary today with an "(incredibly subdued) celebration" due to Covid-19 restrictions, noted Dave Shallenberger, co-owner with Diane Capriola.
The store's journey began in March 2004, when Capriola hit "send" on an e-mail that "went out to everyone she knew." It opened: "For those of you who didn’t know this, I have had the dream of opening up a children's bookstore in Decatur for years. Unfortunately, with three crazy kids, doing this on my own is an impossibility at this time in my life. However, I believe that if I had a partner or partners to join me in this endeavor, a children’s bookstore in Decatur would thrive and be supported and embraced by the community. So... I'm looking for a business partner (or partners), which is why I have emailed you. If there is anyone out there with a similar interest to be a small business owner, or if you know of anyone who might be, please let me know."
The rest is bookselling history, including a major roadblock that occurred on March 17, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, Little Shop had to close to customers and began taking orders online, through e-mail and over the phone, offering free home delivery, curbside pickup and shipping.
On May 28, however, "amid the heavy gravity of the times, a little lightness. For the second time, Little Shop of Stories was presented with the Pannell Award in the children's specialty bookshop category for "a mix of creativity and knowledge, knowing just the right thing for the customer and helping them to make readers out of their little ones as they keep returning" and for "terrific outreach to the community. Clever décor in store, specific spaces like a Harry Potter area, Goodnight Moon room, lots of comfy seats around, and illustrators' works on walls."
Store manager Justin Colussy-Estes said at the time: "We are thrilled that Little Shop of Stories has been awarded the 2020 WNBA Pannell Award. What a gift to be given right now. We have not had a customer in our store for two months. Our methods have had to change, but our mission has not: to foster empathy, creativity, and bravery in children through books. The children will return. The visits and the story times and the parties and the camps... they’ll be back. Until then, we wish love, safety, and hope to all of our readers and fellow booksellers. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Our hearts are full today."