ANN ARBOR, MIch. – If you’ve ever wanted to have your own bookshop, there’s one for sale in north Ann Arbor in need of a new lead bookworm.
Booksweet owners Shaun Manning and Truly Render are looking to sell the northside bookstore, at 1729 Plymouth Rd., to someone who will keep the shop’s identity as a beacon of community.
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“This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. Booksweet is so much more than a shop,” they shared on Booksweet’s website on Wednesday, May 1.
“It’s a values-driven community space committed to nurturing equity and co-liberation. It’s an incubator for new ideas, creativity, and community actions. It’s an affirming space where love is a verb and a powerful call-to-action. It’s a place to imagine new realities together–and write them into existence. It’s a place where belonging matters. Booksweet brings people together–and together, we can co-create good change.”
Manning and Render cited changing familial needs as their reason for moving on, despite their love for the bookstore.
But they aren’t just selling the 2,400-square-foot retail space -- they’re willing to turn over Booksweet’s social media accounts, online shop, branding, affiliate partnerships and current inventory of more than 9,000 hand-selected books.
“We’re mentioning all of this because we’re hoping to find a buyer who is interested in a turnkey or full asset purchase of the shop to keep Booksweet alive and well for generations to come,” they wrote, offering to help with training and support as the new owner finds their feet.
The space became Booksweet in August 2021, after the closing of Bookbound Bookstore. It has grown in popularity in north Ann Arbor by fostering relationships with local authors and hosting events, including a banned books club.
Moving forward, Bookswwet will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The shop will continue to host and participate in local events.
“We’ve always believed that when you show up for your community, they show up for you. Booksweet is a great example of that idea in action. We can’t thank you enough for all the support you’ve given us as we nurtured Booksweet into being,” Manning and Render wrote.
Curious potential buyers can find the details here or reach out to the shop at shaun@shopbooksweet.com.