How a Utah Bookshop Open Since 1977 Weathered the Pandemic

(SALT LAKE CITY, Utah) — In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are rethinking how they do business. During the past year, some independent shops have been the hardest hit.

Until April 1, the King’s English Bookshop had been closed to the public. The only people allowed inside were employees, but they were able to find innovative ways to connect with customers.

“We took a cue from Amazon, and some of these other places that do this all the time, and created a warehouse operation,” said Anne Holman, the manager of the independent bookshop. “At the beginning, we were literally taking books outside, wrapping them up in boxes, and leaving them out for people.”

Their operation grew to include online orders, delivery, and an open storage box outside that allows for social distancing while purchasing books.

The bookshop has been a staple in Utah since 1977. Over the years, Holman has relied on their community to get through tough times.

“We have been successful because we have reinvented ourselves many times over the years,” Holman said. “Really, at the bottom of all of it is just that our community has supported us.“

Utah ended its mask mandate on April 10, but the bookshop will continue to require customers to wear a mask while in the store.