Independent Bookstore Day is coming up on April 26, and to celebrate, the owners of a local, web-based bookstore, Shelf Control Books, sat down with the Augusta Press to talk about the importance of supporting small business.
Getting ideas off the ground
Marissa Dodgen and Aimee Mattazaro first came up with the idea for Shelf Control Books in April 2024, inspired by a book exchange they were involved in called the Shelf Control Club.
Shelf Control Books officially launched four months later in August 2024 and is primarily online. However, the pair often hold pop up shops during local events in Columbia County.
Both have backgrounds in business, but according to Mattazaro, this was “completely new” territory for them.
“It was a lot of learning as we went for sure, and trial and error and just navigating things we haven’t done before business-wise,” she said.
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They agreed that they were pleasantly surprised that their August 2024 launch party brought in around 40 guests, more than expected.
“We were nonstop busy checking people out for three hours straight,” said Mattazaro. “When everyone left, we looked at each other and we were like, what just happened?”
“We realized people were really interested in a bookstore in Columbia County,” Mattazaro added.
What’s on Shelf Control’s shelf
Most of the books that Shelf Control Books sells are “well-loved,” according to Dodgen – books that are lightly used but in great condition.
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“We thrift them, people sell them to us, people donate them,” she said.
Shelf Control Books also does pre-orders for books in popular series, such as Rebecca Yarros’ “Onyx Storm” which released in January.
Currently, Dodgen and Mattazaro are participating in about one pop up in Evans each month. As for a brick and mortar location, Dodgen says they aren’t ready to set up shop anytime soon, but that they daydream about it often.
“We’re not there yet, but we talk about it,” she said.
Supporting small business
Dodgen said that supporting small businesses, such as Shelf Control Books, is community-building, because people need businesses they can feel connected to.
“Small business is the heart of a community. And when you look at communities that feel special to you, what is it that feels special about them? It’s the local coffee shop. It’s the local boutique. It’s the store for the business owner that you know,” Dodgen said.
Shelf Control Books can be found online at shelfcontrolbooks.com, on Facebook and on Instagram. Their most upcoming pop-up will be at Evans Market at Evans Towne Center on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
