Small businesses are a big part of what makes White Pine great! White Pine Books is a family-owned shop that is beloved by readers and collectors. Let’s learn more about this local gem from the owner herself, Betty.
What is your business? What services/products do you offer?
White Pine Books purchases, sells, trades, and offers store credit for books, movies, puzzles, Beanie Babies, Funko Pops, and other collectible toys!
Tell us the story of White Pine Books.
It all started in 1997 as an internet business that I ran with my sons. In 2003 we felt that opening a physical store was the next step, so we opened White Pine Books in a small area close to Ramsey’s Furniture. We were there ten years and when the Hardware Store was put on the market my son Daniel and I decided to take a gamble and purchase the building. The store had grown so much in ten years we simply needed more room to expand.
What makes your business special?
We are special because so many bookstores have gone out of business. We try to keep a huge selection and prices reasonable. I feel we have built a nice community of readers around our bookstore.
Why is it important for people to support small businesses?
It is important to support small businesses because if you don’t you will open your eyes one day and they will all be gone.
Small businesses build communities. I think there is a comfortable and homey environment here. At least, we have tried to make it so. We have chairs, events, and cats!!
There is a community built around our Facebook page, with 43,000 followers. They interact with one another, share ideas, and they talk. It’s the same within the store.
When a customer walks through your door, how do you want them to feel/what do you want their experience to be like?
I want them to feel welcome, relaxed, and comfortable asking for any help they need.
What is it like doing business in the town of White Pine?
Well, it is a small town, but that’s the atmosphere I love. The town 100% supports us, and we have many customers that come in from out of town.
I would love to see more businesses open here in White Pine and I know our administration is working on that.
How does your business engage with and give back to the community?
We enjoy engaging with the community by hosting events. In September we are having a large Craft Swap, and in October we’re having an author meetup. We are working on getting back on the wagon with events that died down during Covid. There are lots of fun things ahead at White Pine Books! Click here for event details.
What is the most popular book/series/genre right now?
Mysteries, psychological thrillers, spicy romances, and fantasy.
A Special Thanks from White Pine Books
“I would like to thank all the people that support us. Many have become good friends. Without them, we would never have grown and would never have stayed in business. They are wonderful.”
-Betty