A husband-and-wife duo are preparing to bring a bookstore to downtown Howell.
Oliver & Co. is expected to open in late May at the former Retro-A-Go-Go, 212 S. Michigan Ave. The business will serve as a haven for book lovers to read, enjoy a coffee and participate in special events.
Seth and Stephanie Perrin are heavily focused on creating a community space.
“We really want this to be a welcoming place that people feel like they’re part of,” Stephanie said. “This is our bookstore, but it’s (also) the community’s bookstore.”
The couple currently lives in Gregory, but has always gravitated toward Howell. Stephanie previously lived in the city for about a decade. Seth is from Indiana, but quickly fell in love with Howell after falling in love with Stephanie.
This is the couple’s first business venture, and ultimately Seth’s dream. The former product manager decided to leave the corporate world to find happiness in running his own business.
“We just felt like this was the right time,” Stephanie said. “We’re really putting everything into this.”
The bookstore will include a cafe space with a small, traditional menu, including items like lattes, bagels and scones. The store will carry roughly 80% new books and 20% gently used books, as well as gift items like bookends and plant holders.
There will be plenty of reading spots and tables, in case customers want a place to read, meet with friends, or get work done.
“I just want to contribute to our community and talk to people, exchange stories and help,” Seth said.
The Perrins are currently working on programs for trade-ins and frequent buyers. Ultimately, they’re excited to bring a bookstore back to Howell.
“We want to welcome everybody from young readers … to the 90-somethings who just want to get out of their house … and everyone in between,” Stephanie said.
Learn more on Facebook under Oliver & Co. Bookstore.
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: This couple is bringing a bookstore back to downtown Howell
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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