{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Wi2026: Charm They Can\u2019t Replicate: Creating a Store That Invites Wonder","description":"Your bookstore tells a story \u2014 but how do you make every customer feel like they\u2019ve stepped into your world the moment they walk through the door? Inspired by the immersive experiences of lifestyle retailers like Anthropologie, this session will focus on the charm and personality only independent bookstores can offer. We will explore how visual storytelling, thoughtful details, scent, sound, and lighting can work together to spark joy and forge deeper connections with your community. We\u2019ll also look at how small, intentional touches \u2014 handwritten shelf talkers, thrifted treasures, and curated objects \u2014 can showcase what makes your store unique, setting you apart from the polished sameness of big-box chains. Learn how to layer books with lifestyle elements to create an atmosphere that invites discovery, feels personal, and lingers in memory long after a visit. Whether you\u2019re working with 300 or 3,000 square feet, you\u2019ll leave with practical strategies to elevate your space, celebrate your store\u2019s story, and make customers fall in love with indie bookselling all over again.   Recorded February 26, 2026 at Winter Institute 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA.   Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.   Theme song by Constant Companion ","author_name":"BookED","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/109160\/site","html":"