Swoon Books & Wine will open next year in the Shops of Oakwood at 2504 Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio. Dayton Daily News reported that Swoon "will focus on romance books and offer wines by the glass as well as classic cocktails like martinis and spritz. The store will not have an on-site kitchen, but sweet and savory grab-and-go options will be available from local chefs and bakers."
 |
|
| Swoon owners Lindsay Woodruff and Lauren Gay | |
Owned by Lindsay Woodruff and Lauren Gay, the new business will be located in the former space of Maraluna, which was launched by Woodruff nine years ago to connect consumers with the makers of ethical and sustainable goods. Originally located in Troy, the store moved to Oakwood in 2022 and has since outgrown its space. In June, Maraluna moved two blocks north, to 2316 Far Hills Ave.
Gay, who is a certified sommelier and owner of Joui Wine in downtown Dayton, told Dayton Daily News that Woodruff hadn't wanted to lose her original space and suggested the idea of a bookstore. Gay told her if she wanted to put a wine bar in the back to let her know. Now Swoon Books & Wine will become a reality.
The shop will feature "a classic rococo vibe inspired by the Sofia Coppola film Marie Antoinette. The owners want to have a vintage feel with just enough modern touches thrown in to make customers contemplate 'this doesn't feel real,' " Dayton Daily News noted. A $60,000 crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help finance the venture and has raised nearly $12,000 so far.
"I think the most important part of this thing is actually the ambiance that we're creating because the truth is you can buy a book anywhere," Gay said. "Online book sales are so easy, so why go somewhere to purchase a book? It's all about the ambiance and experience, hospitality, and our knowledge and expertise. It's placemaking. It's creating a really cool environment where you're not just purchasing a book, but you're sitting, hanging out, enjoying your quality time there."
"Storytelling and placemaking are things that can't be replicated online. That's why brick-and-mortars still exist," Woodruff added. "Going into a space is an experience. There's magic in that."