Anderson's Bookshops celebrates 40th anniversary in September
Anderson's Bookshop has roots in Downers Grove dating back 41 years, and next month the independent business celebrates its current location at 5112 Main St.
Anderson's is a sixth-generation family bookstore that traces its start back to the 1875 founding of W.W. Wickel Pharmacy (now Oswald's Pharmacy), which sold books and other items in Naperville before launching a separate bookstore in 1964.
Nearly 20 years later, Anderson's opened an additional location in the heart of Downers Grove at 5112 Main St. Owners wanted to recognize the occasion last year, but with COVID-19 restrictions in place, that celebration was postponed until now.
The celebration begins on Thursday, Sept. 9 and lasts all weekend, wrapping up on Sunday, Sept. 12. All weekend long, with coupon, Anderson's members will receive 40% off one item purchased in the store. (Only good at the Downers Grove store location. Not online.) Shoppers who spend a minimum of $40 will receive a special anniversary commemorative bookmark. (These will also be offered for purchase as supplies last.)
Raffle prizes have been donated by some of the store's biggest book publishers and toy vendors and raffle winners will be selected on Sunday, Sept. 12. Customers will receive a raffle ticket with every purchase that anniversary weekend. In addition, daily raffle drawings will be pulled for $40 gift cards. (Winners need not be present to win.)
Anderson's Bookshops, which includes Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville and Downers Grove, ABC Fairs in Aurora, and Anderson's Toyshop, 111 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville, have been honored with several awards in its storied history. In 2011, the family-run business was named as Publishers Weekly Bookstore of the Year, the highest honor recognizing independent booksellers.
“The Downers Grove store is home, plain and simple. It's where I started 21 years ago and where I hope to work another 20 years,” says Anderson's Bookshop Downers Grove Children's Manager Kathleen March. “I love that we are home for so many in the community. We get to see our littlest customers grow up and have kids themselves. We celebrate our customers' joys with them as well as grieve their losses. We are more than just a store; we are a community within our four walls and a pillar helping hold up the community outside our four walls.”
March recognizes the ingredients that have contributed to Anderson's Bookshop's long run in Downers Grove. “Creating that relationship, a relationship of friends and family plus our knowledge and passion for books and reading are keys to our longevity,” March says.
The Downers Grove location is managed by Charlie Wilkins. Reflecting on this milestone, Wilkins notes, “Forty years is a long time in this business and it's a great feeling knowing that Anderson's has been a big part of this downtown for four decades now. We hope to continue to serve the Downers Grove area reading public for decades to come.”
Naperville natives, co-owners, and siblings Tres Anderson, Becky Anderson Wilkins and Pete Anderson are thrilled at success of the store and the industry in what is recognized as a tough time for independent family-run businesses. COVID issues have been a massive obstacle too. “It is always a pleasure to think about the community that Anderson's has been a part of for so many years. We are truly privileged and honored to have worked with so many brilliant authors and partners in the book industry,” said Becky Wilkins. “We're looking forward to all the great things the future may bring!”
And that future will include Anderson's Bookshop, Downers Grove, “We feel like Anderson's is a focal point of the downtown,” notes Charlie Wilkins. “And want for that to remain the case for new generations of readers.”
Anderson's Bookshops specialize in book sales, author events, book signings (lately held in our virtual landscape), and building a sense of community, learning and fun. Keep updated on current literary events by visiting www.andersonsbookshop.com.