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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
The book publishing industry has changed a great deal in the last 15 years. With the growth of large bookstore chains and online superstores, purchasing a book is easier than it has ever been. However, for independent bookshops, selling books has become much tougher.
Despite the hardships of the industry, Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore continues to supply Utah residents with quality reading materials, just as it has for the last 79 years. The business has come a long way from its inception as a small used bookstore. It has grown to be the largest independent bookstore in the state and is a favorite tourist destination for visitors to Salt Lake City.
Sam Weller's is a large general bookstore that supplies a mix of new, used and rare books. Tony Weller who, with his wife Catherine, owns the bookstore, says he first started working in the shop in 1972, and he and Catherine continue to run it today. Although nobody has ever counted, Tony estimates the store stocks around half a million books.
Since he took over in 1997, Tony has instituted a number of changes in the store from integrating new and used books into common sections to creating an online database of books to hiring a manager to take care of business affairs. With a capable and efficient manager and a knowledgeable staff, Tony can focus his attention on what he enjoys most — rare books.
I asked Tony what has helped Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore survive over the years, especially with such tough competition. He says the legacy his parents left behind of taking less money from the store themselves to better compensate employees has helped to foster and retain an experienced staff. Employees are chosen for their stability and love of books, and Weller's does its best to treat them right.
Tony hopes to see Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore eventually reach its 100th anniversary.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
