Queen Anne Book Company is turning one year old this Saturday, March 1st. And to celebrate its first anniversary, the shop is hosting an Open House from 3-5pm on Saturday.
It’s a well-deserved celebration too – as quick refresher, Queen Anne Books abruptly closed and Queen Anne neighbors were stunned. Last January, QABC owners Krijn de Jonge, Judy de Jonge, and Janis Segress partnered to bring back a local, independent bookstore to Queen Anne, and they opened the doors on March 1, 2013.
The past year has been eventful for the shop, with author readings and Sherman Alexie taking on the role of bookseller-for-a-day. Alexie returned months later with more authors to support QABC and independent booksellers around the world with Indies First – an idea that began right here on Queen Anne, at QABC.
QABC has also partnered with other local businesses, including Cederberg Tea House, El Diablo Coffee Co, and Lloyd Martin – and hosted children’s book readings at Twirl Café.
To thank its loyal customers, QABC is giving away free advance reader copies and book totes with purchases of $50 or more on Saturday. Plus, what would a birthday party be without cake? No party at all! (so, yes, there will be cake and refreshments)
The party is not just to celebrate QABC, but also the loyal customers who’ve supported the shop over the past year and who will keep it going in the future. According to store manager/co-owner Janis Segress, it all comes down to the customers that have supported QABC in its inaugural year:
“We’re here because of our customers. Not a day goes by without one of our customers remarking how relieved they are that their bookstore is back.”
Co-owner Krijn de Jonge also echoed the customer centric nature of QABC:
“At the end of the day, our strong connections to our customers are what’s vital to our business. Our booksellers know their customers, they help them choose books, they call them when new titles release. It’s the customer service that matters most.”
Stop by on Saturday to congratulate Queen Anne Book Company on their first year! Happy Birthday, QABC!