Celebrating Independent Bookstore Day with Warwick’s
To celebrate Independent Bookstore Day, we’d like to highlight a bookstore with a wonderful and long history. Warwick’s in La Jolla, CA was founded in 1896 by William T. Warwick. Today, it is still ran by the Warwick family. As so many bookstores struggle to compete in the digital era, we believe it is worth celebrating those that thrive.
The oldest family owned and operated bookstore in the US
“Our regulars are greeted as friends and are often on a first name basis with the staff. They understand the threat that bookstores, and, by extension, communities, are facing in this time of extreme online competition, and that our survival depends on their commitment to local business.”
NANCY WARWICK
Q & A
What is the history of the store?
Warwick’s founder, William T. Warwick was born in Atlantic, Iowa in 1867. In 1896, he purchased his own store in Mankato, Minnesota, christened it “Warwick’s” and remained there until 1916.
Meanwhile, in La Jolla… Redding’s Book Store was founded in 1902 and was operated by Mr. E.L. Redding and his wife Genevieve. E.L. died suddenly in 1934 and Genevieve continued to operate Redding’s on her own. In 1939, W.T. Warwick, who had a sister living in La Jolla, sold his store in Waterloo, purchased Redding’s from Genevieve, & renamed it Warwick’s.
In 1950, W.T. decided to retire and sold the store to his son, Charles Wynn Warwick and his wife Louise.
The third generation took over in 1964, when Wynn’s son Bob and his wife Marian assumed ownership. 1976 brought the first of several significant remodels for Warwick’s – the space directly next door, previously occupied by Burriston’s Shoes, was acquired, essentially doubling the store’s floor space. The space occupied next to that – between Burns Drugs and Warwick’s – was also eventually added, allowing for more space for the ever-expanding book department. Bob and Marian turned the reins over to the current owners, their daughters Nancy and Cathy, in 2001 and the fourth generation of Warwicks took the lead.
Read the full history of Warwick’s
Critical to our success in this changing world are the following three things:
First, over the decades we have attracted a large number of employees who have been absolutely exceptional and essential to the store’s success. These employees have been as protective of the store’s image as any member of my family, and have earned 100% of our trust.
Second, we have a very loyal and supportive customer base. Warwick’s has long been something akin to a community marketplace, and it is a daily stop for many locals. Our regulars are greeted as friends and are often on a first name basis with the staff. They understand the threat that bookstores, and, by extension, communities, are facing in this time of extreme online competition, and that our survival depends on their commitment to local business.
Finally, I credit our longevity and continued success to a great selection of quality goods. Whether it be books, jewelry, gifts, fine stationery and writing instruments, or office and art supplies, the bottom line is we have to offer exciting, fun, elegant and eclectic product. Whole families shop at the store together, because there is truly something for everyone to enjoy, including the family dog.”
How do you choose your products?
We find a lot of our more interesting product at New York Now, the premier gift show in the United States. We also listen to what our customer’s request. We try to stay up on trends through social media.
Which Blackwing product sells best in your store?
It’s hard to say, all pencils and slate notebooks. The pencil sharpeners also fly out of here.
Do you have any Volumes in Stock?
Just Volume 811
What is your and your staffs favorite Blackwing Product?
Volumes 811 now!!