Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita, Kan., has been put up for sale. Sarah Bagby has owned the store, which opened downtown in 1977, since 1996. Describing the development as "a shocker," the Wichita Eagle reported that Bagby has seen substantial interest since listing Watermark for $247,400 (not including an approximately $250,000 inventory) with Todd Bailey, president of Transworld Business Advisors of Wichita.
"I just want to make sure we get the best fit," Bagby said. "It would be fantastic to have somebody from the local community that knows the local community, that has contacts and has a knowledge for the community and a passion for the Wichita community."
Another requirement for prospective owners is "a passion for books," she noted. "You have to read a lot to be an owner.... And, honestly, it is so fun.... We talk about books constantly."
Bagby added that there is no chance the store will close. She is working to find someone who can help Watermark thrive for at least another half century, the Eagle wrote, adding that Bagby said she has always appreciated being the best steward she can for the store and that it is in a great spot for someone else to step in. "It's really exciting to have a lot of interest because I feel like... we'll find somebody who likes and loves where the store is and can flourish with it."
Regarding her future, Bagby said, "I'm not going to retire. I'm going to rewire," adding that her plans include some adventurous travel and getting her garden in shape. She's worked at the store since 1977, beginning as a part-timer when Bruce Jacobs owned it.
She helped Watermark open two more stores--one focused on children's books and one for adults--at Central and Rock in Piccadilly Square, but when Bagby became majority owner, she closed those stores and moved the main bookstore from downtown to Lincoln Heights Village. "We were one of the last stores downtown," she said. She also added a cafe at the new store: "People were really wanting that."
She recalled seeing the bookstore through challenges like "the rise of the chains" and the advent of Amazon. "There were these challenges that made it interesting because you have to adapt." Hosting author events was one of those strategies: "Our publisher partners were very supportive and knew that would help with the strength of the store. We just sold and sold books and had the passion and had the love of the community of Wichita, which has been so supportive of this store, so that's how we adapted."
Bagby also credited her staff, noting: "I hired really good people. Honestly, they're so capable.... It's a turnkey deal pretty much."