The Novel Neighbor bookstore, St. Louis, Mo., is planning to launch "Open Door Romance," a dedicated romance room, in August. The Webster-Kirkwood Times reported that the expansion, which will be adjacent to the main store in the event space, "will function as a mini romance bookstore, dedicated to celebrating the love of all things romance including books, gifts, and curated romance displays and events."
Noting that she has experienced huge growth in romance genre sales, owner Holland Saltsman, who opened the Novel Neighbor in 2014, said she has launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for opening costs, including updating the space, purchasing inventory, and marketing. The project is led by Saltsman, events director Stephanie Skees, and marketing director Kassie King. The $10,000 crowd-funder has already raised nearly $16,000.
"We are so ready to offer more community events and book clubs, as well as continue to grow and diversify our romance selection," said Skees. "We hear constantly how St. Louis' romance events are some of the biggest in the country, and we know our city will be excited for this expansion."