Longtime employee Bethany Hammond is the new owner of Card Carrying Books & Gifts in Corning, N.Y. Hammond, who purchased the business November 15, told the Leader that the store "offers books for people of all ages who are looking to learn more about the ideas that are most important to them." Card Carrying Books & Gifts was opened by Sarah Blagg and Randi Hewit in 2017. Hammond has managed the shop for three years.
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| Randi Hewit (l.) and Bethany Hammond | |
"In August the previous owners were ready for the next chapter of their lives, and they offered the business to me, and it was a no brainer for me because I have poured my heart soul into this store," Hammond said.
Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of the Corning Gaffer District, noted that it is a wonderful story when a business is taken over by a longtime employee, adding: "The bookstore is one example of that. Anytime a business is taken over by someone who has long worked there, whether it's a family member or not, it helps sustain the business in the downtown Gaffer District, which is a good thing."
Hammond added: "We offer a lot of resources for people who are helping their children navigate through their life. We also offer a space for teens to hang out. We're more than a bookstore. All the events and everything that we have here are just really special....
"Merchandise varies in price from $1 to $40, and features locally sourced apparel, locally made jewelry, and other giftables that promote women-owned small businesses. In-store events vary from book clubs, poetry reading nights, trivia night and Queer Straight Alliance fundraisers."