Growth of Independent Bookstores in Reno Amid Challenges

"Now we have a dedicated community room that's always open, so book clubs can meet anytime we're open," Harrigian stated. The bookstore has initiated plans for craft days and trivia nights.

The recent additions to the local literary scene include Hollow and Quill, Moss and Midnight, Between the Covers, and Bub’s Bookstore. Nationwide, the American Booksellers Association reports over a thousand new independent bookstores have opened in the last five years, with 605 new stores in 2025 alone.

However, the rise of new bookstores comes amid substantial challenges. Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, noted that recent years have been particularly difficult for bookstore owners due to rising operational costs, a shortage of labor, and competition from major retailers like Amazon. Additionally, the percentage of Americans reading for pleasure fell to 16% in 2023.

Despite these hurdles, some bookstore owners are optimistic about the shift toward independent retailers. Rob Fuller, co-owner of Bub’s Bookstore in Carson City, cited a growing resistance to large corporations like Amazon and the desire for ownership over subscriptions as key factors driving this trend.

Ilya Arbateman, co-owner of The Radical Cat, which opened in 2022, emphasized the curated selection of books as advantageous compared to chain stores. "We're just a better bookstore than Barnes and Noble is," he said, pointing out that their approach fosters a more interesting experience for customers.

Community engagement is a core focus for many indie bookstores. Fuller expressed a commitment to creating a community atmosphere, emphasizing that shopping at independent bookstores contributes significantly to the local economy. A report from the American Booksellers Association and Civic Economics found that 29% of all revenue from independent bookstores goes back into the local community, generating twice the local economic impact compared to Barnes and Noble and four times that of Amazon.

To further support local shopping, platforms like bookshop.org allow customers to order books online while directing profits to their local independent bookstores.

Despite the recent growth, Hill acknowledged that operating a bookstore remains a considerable challenge, humorously noting, "How do you make a small fortune in the book business? You start with a large fortune."

Some booksellers are cautious about viewing this rise as a long-term trend, but Hill is hopeful that it might signify a deeper shift toward community-driven engagement through reading. Arbateman remarked that the future success of bookstores will depend on continued community support. "If people have the energy to do it, there's room for as many bookstores as possible," he concluded.