Lakeland's Independent Inklings Book Shoppe looks to move Downtown after 40 years
LAKELAND — One of Lakeland's independently-owned bookstores is looking to leave its longtime home on South Combee Road to become part of the Downtown community.
Finley Walker, co-owner of Inklings Book Shoppe with his wife, Carmen, are looking to move their business into a historic home at 818 E. Lemon St at the end of this year. The Lakeland couple said it's a dream come true to bring Inklings to a more centralized, pedestrian-friendly location after existing as a 'hidden gem' for over 40 years.
"We are the definition of a small business trying to make things work in the community they are in," Finley Walker said.
The owners are seeking permission from the city's Planning & Zoning Board to modify the historic building's designation to offer a small coffee bar and small pre-made pastries on site. A first hearing was held Aug. 15 on the issue, with a second hearing slated for Sept. 19 with a possible vote.
"I see that as part of our responsibility as a bookstore in the community is to offer a space for people to have intellectual conversation," Walker said.
Writing a new chapter
The couple purchased the business — previously known as Book Bazaar — in January 2020, from then owners, Sharon and Bob Daley. Walker said he had moved to Lakeland to complete a doctorate degree and after 150 job applications, was still finding it difficult to get employed.
A "for sale" sign posted outside of the store caught Walker's eye as he was having a business lunch, so he went inside to inquire. After eight months of discussions, Walker said he moved forward with purchasing the shop containing roughly two miles of shelving holding more than 100,000 used and new books.
Three months later, the COVID pandemic struck.
"We had to pivot and we pivoted hard," Walker said.
The bookstore had no digital presence prior to COVID, according to Walker. It had no website and no social media pages. In over 40 years, Walker said he came to learn the bookstore had "not spent a penny on advertising" but counted on loyal customers and word-of-mouth.
"Even though people were reading more, people also didn't want to leave their house," he said. "So I began offering curbside, delivery and shipping but Amazon was too convenient."
Walker said he launched the bookstore's first website, a Facebook page and began working on getting the word out. Inklings began to diversify in what merchandise it carried remaining about 80% used books, 10% new books contracting with major publishers and 10% in miscellaneous in puzzles, board games, trading cards and artwork.
"We like to carry a little bit of everything, it's very broad," he said. "We carry all genres."
Young Adult books and classic Science-Fiction Fantasy are Inkling's top selling genres, Walker said. From the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling to classics like "Dune" by Frank Herbert and author Ursula K Le Guin's can be found on shelves. Less commonly found books can also been seen lining the shelves with an Indie section featuring local Central Florida authors, and classic childhood series like Nancy Drew's "The Hardy Boys." All books are priced economically, Walker said, usually with used books sold at 10% to 20% below the market used value.
Walker said he's recently started a small antiques section featuring highly-valued and collectible books dating back as far as the 1500s. One example, he said is a copy of a choir book printed in the 1500s on a Gutenberg press.
These changes have brought new customers into the shop, Walker said, bringing the businesses mix to 50% new customers and 50% returning, while increasing its overall profitability by 10% to 15% per year for the last four years.
What's coming next
The move to Lemon Street will be the first time the book shop has changed venues in more than 25 years, according to Walker. It's a smaller space, but he believes he can utilizes the space more efficiently than his current layout to minimize any downsizing.
The goal is to have each genre, or closely related genres, to have their own rooms at the Lemon Street house, Walker said, and be themed appropriately whether it's for children's books or classic horror.
"We want to create an aesthetic in each room that's unique by decorating for that genre," he said. "It will be a process."
The new location will help the business financially as Walker estimated it will save an estimated $20,000 a year from its current location. There's just one problem: Getting there.
With over 100,000 books to move alone, it's labor intensive. Walker said the couple is still figuring out the finances to move, or being at risk of closing the doors on a long-term locally owned business if they can't transition before Dec. 31.
"We are proud, happy and believe there's a lot more potential," Walker said.
Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on X @SaraWalshFl.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Independent bookstore looks to move downtown after 40 years
