 |
|
| Joy Vogelgesang (l.) and Brenda McConnell at Kona Stories | |
Congratulations to Kona Stories Book Store, Kona, Hawaii, which celebrated its 10th anniversary on Indies First/Small Business Saturday. Some 500 people came to the store, which served homemade sangria and a vegan carrot cake made by the local health food store and offered a variety of specials.
After meeting at a book club in California, Brenda McConnell and Joy Vogelgesang opened Kona Stories when Borders was the only bookstore in the area. "We weren't too intimidated and the recession hadn't happened yet in 2006 when we opened in Mango Court in Kainaliu," Vogelgesang said. "We were confident, the economy was booming, and there was a need for a more personal bookstore." McConnell added, "And sure enough, we're here and Borders isn't!"
The store survived some rough times and challenges by emphasizing personalized service and advice, along with social activities and an eclectic mix of sidelines in the store, which moved in 2010 to the Keauhou Shopping Center. The new location has "made the turnout for our events lots bigger," McConnell said. "People aren't afraid to come here at night, with good parking, lighting and security. Since then our business has been going up steadily every year and now we are close to double our early years."
Kona Stories serves both locals and visitors, including snowbirds who come back and visit every year. While many customers love printed books, many are drawn by the store's sidelines, which have grown to account for 35%-40% of the store's business. "People who use e-readers still come into the store for gifts, calendars and date books," Vogelgesang said.