During Small Business Saturday 2019, independent bookstores rang up another year of increasing sales. As Barnes & Nobles continues to reduce its branches in the Pacific Northwest, new indie bookstores have appeared to fill in the gap.  According to the American Booksellers Association (ABA), independent bookstore membership nationally has grown for the 10th year in a row.

Following are a few of the new stores who have arrived in Washington State. To learn more about independent bookselling in the Pacific Northwest, check out  the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association at pnba.org.

Madison Books Sprouts From Phinney Books

In April, Phinney Books branched out to launch a new store in Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood. Phinney Books owner Tom Nissley was contacted by a Madison Park resident who wanted a replacement for the beloved Madison Park Books that closed 13 years ago. The resulting Madison Books has been hosting events throughout the spring and summer as well as offering a selection of books tailored for the neighborhood.

Paper Boat Booksellers Launches In West Seattle

Paper Boat Booksellers moved into West Seattle this October, inspired in part by the closing of the Westwood Village Barnes & Noble. The new West Seattle bookstore was started by interior designer Desirae Wilkerson and Eric Judy, former bassist for the band Modest Mouse. The couple have lived in the neighborhood for nearly 15 years. The store stocks approximately 9000 titles and offers a family reading hour on Saturday’s.

Wishing Tree Grows In Spokane

Spokane’s new children’s bookstore, Wishing Tree Books, opened for business in November in a 1907 house with a purple porch. Owned by Janelle (former events and children’s manager at Auntie’s Books) and Ivan Smith, the store was backed by Tegan (Queen Anne Book Co./ABA Board of Directors) and Jordan Tigani.