A newly opened shop in the Wichita Falls community called Enchanted Pages Bookstore had a steady crowd and strong sales during its first major event Saturday, April 24.The event celebrated Indie Bookstore Day and brought crowds that exceeded expectations.
Nearly 600 people attended the bookstore’s grand opening a week ago, and shop owner Shahnika Lopez was thrilled.
“I was ecstatic,” Lopez said. “We were not expecting that big of a turnout at all. We’ve definitely got a lot of support from the community, so it’s been great.”
Her friendly staff offered refreshments to attendees as they arrived. Exclusive Indie Bookstore Day totes containing a bookmark, stickers and a keychain were given to the first 25 purchasing customers.
A special selection of “blind date with a book” packages was available for purchase.
Lopez’s pink shop is filled with hundreds of well-organized books and a variety of on-theme gift items, including coffee sleeves, Kindle covers, candles, tote bags, T-shirts and bookmarks. Genre selection is limited to a few popular categories and some children’s books.
Local reading enthusiast Maya Yates described the store as “really cute.”
“I think it’s great. I love an independent bookstore,” she said.
Her friend Grace Pfaffle, a senior at MSU Texas double majoring in English and history, agreed.
“I think small bookstores are really nice. There are big corporate bookstores where there are lots of options, but it doesn’t feel as cozy or as personal,” Pfaffle said. “I think it’s a great way to support your community. If you are somebody who is interested in reading, it’s a great way to open your mind to new genres that maybe you wouldn’t have read in the past. I think it’s a really great thing.”
Both women said they had seen a few items they were considering buying and that they would be back. Yates added that visiting the farmer’s market and then stopping by the bookstore would be a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. The nearby Wichita Falls Farmers Market is located at 807 Austin St. and is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enchanted Pages Bookstore is also offering activities. The May schedule includes a book bedazzling class, an audiobook walk, a watch party and a book club.
There is a cozy reading lounge where book lovers can sit and read or gather to connect and unwind. Book clubs are welcome to reserve the space to meet and talk about books.
Lopez hopes to host a book club meeting and craft night each month. The store will be closed to nonparticipants during some events, so customers should check the calendar for dates and times.
Enchanted Pages Bookstore is located at 1108 8th St., in the building with the large eye mural by artist Ralph Stearns. The store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Customers should bring a card for payment, as cash is not accepted.
More information, event sign-ups and upcoming releases are available at enchantedpagesbookstore.com.
