A shared dream of one day owning a bookshop is the ‘why.’
A couple who grew up in Creemore is the ‘who.’
A lot of hard work and an industrious nature is the ‘how.’
A quaint Nottawa cottage is the ‘where.’
Pulling it all together in two months is the ‘what!?’
Caleigh McKenzie-Greer was dining on the patio at Nottawa General Store with her husband Christopher Greer when she looked across the backyard at a little cottage and said, “wouldn’t that be a great spot for a bookstore?” It was something the couple had said frequently during the course of their relationship. While travelling or walking the streets of Toronto, they would often point out a cute little retail space, perhaps located next to a cafe or a bakery, and imagine a bookstore there.
But this time was different. The idea took root in Caleigh’s mind. She inquired about renting the space from the owners of the general store who told her that a bookstore was part of the original vision for their business and would nicely complement the cafe and upstairs gallery space.
Having left her job in luxury retail to move out of Toronto and relocate in Collingwood, where Christopher could continue to work remotely, Caleigh was thinking about what her next move would be.
Living in Collingwood, she found herself missing access to new books without resorting to an online seller. Caleigh saw an opportunity and she set about creating a business plan. She opened accounts with booksellers, connected with suppliers specializing in women-led Canadian companies, and ordered branded apparel. In just two months Caleigh has brought her vision for the store to life. In addition to popular new releases, the shelves are stocked with classics, children’s books, puzzles, toys and gift bundles designed to enhance the reading experience whether its a bath, tea or glass of wine.
“The response from the community has been really positive,” said Caleigh. Christopher added, “I think bookstores are really important part of the fabric a community.”
They plan to host book launches, author talks and workshops. “Independent bookstores have been booming,” said Christopher, adding that the book is a covetable object, a thing of beauty.
He said the appeal of a bookshop is that they offer a curated stock, as opposed to the unlimited choices of internet shopping.
Caleigh and Christopher noticed that when friends came over to their home they would peruse their bookshelves. It was their personal recommendations that piqued their visitors’ interest. Christopher said he would often joke that he needed to make his friends library cards because their books were constantly being borrowed.
Both he and Caleigh love to read fantasy novels but having studied history at university, her spectrum also includes historical fiction while Christopher’s trends more toward the classics, both the cause and effect of his English degree.
As a nod to one of their favourite travel experiences, they have borrowed a tradition from Shakespeare and Company in Paris and will stamp the inside cover with their logo – inspired by Collingwood’s swans – if the purchaser wishes.
Nottawa Cottage Bookstore is located in the cottage behind Nottawa General Store at 4206 County Road 124. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call 705-444-1777 or visit www.nottawacottagebookstore.ca to inquire about a book or place an order. Free home delivery will be offered in the area.