Bethel Small Business Spotlight: Byrd's Books

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Byrd’s Books
Owners: Alice Hutchinson
Website: http://byrdsbooks.com
Address: 126 Greenwood Ave. Bethel, CT 06801

How did you come up with the name?

Byrd is my middle name.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

Borders is closed, I LOVE and worked in bookstores and I would not open anywhere but Bethel.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Independent Bookstore.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a businessowner?

Battling the Amazon mindset, and the general mindset that shops is big boxes.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur? Moments when I hope that Bethel residents remember that the downtown merchants need the support (and the relief when I realize that they do!)

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Seeing that kids love books and are still reading them!...also Where’s Waldo the month of July for the past three years- SO fun!!

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Adding certain gift ideas to the inventory that go with books- like handmade journals and a wide selection of puzzles.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

With kindness- they must be having a bad day.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We donate to school groups, civic organizations and churches, we also hire one Bethel High School student each year. I am also a big supporter of the Bethel Chamber and it’s activities.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.