Indigo – The Concordian

As bookstore chains go under, let’s dust indie alternatives off the shelves.

Bookstores have always been my favourite places on earth. Every shop has something different to offer, whether that be ancient annotated paperbacks, rows of pristine colour-coordinated hardcovers, stray cats in the window, or a piano in the back. Where small businesses may lack stock or organization, they make up for it with charm and personality. But when local bookshops and big chains are forced to battle it out, who will ultimately win?

The answer may surprise you. Since the early 2000s, it has seemed like independent bookstores are racing toward extinction with the rising popularity of online shopping and the prevalence of chains such as Indigo. In recent years, however, there is a growth trend in favour of independent bookstores. Interestingly, it’s the big names that are struggling: Indigo lost $50 million last year following cyber-attack issues, and the company appears to be falling apart as their management struggles to regain control.

In comparison, independent booksellers across Canada have reported booming sales as readers flock to their doors in search of something more. These bookstores give readers that extra something: a sense of community. Walking into a small shop is more personal and deliberate, as it forces you to confront the humanness of everyone sharing the space, and you feel obliged to take real care when handling the books. Supporting these businesses is essential to ensure they stay with us for many years.

The Word, located within walking distance of McGill, is one example of a local bookstore to enjoy. The space is vividly personal with its pleasantly cramped interior and impressive turnover of over a hundred new titles each day. “I think what’s good about these kinds of stores, but even more with bookstores is that when you walk in, there’s a sense of passion,” said Scott Moodie, who has been working at The Word for the past 32 years.

Luckily, you can find this passion everywhere in Montréal bookstores. Here are a few of my favourites, and what makes them so special:

Drawn & Quarterly: A familiar favourite, this bookshop specializes in graphic novels and hosts frequent readings. I love it for its bright decor and open feel.

Encore Books & Records: My go-to! It’s a bit out of the way, but so worth it. The bright blue exterior will immediately pull you in, and you won’t escape–it’s hard to pull away from the rooms of books and fun record collection.

Phoenix Books: If you’re at Encore, might as well check out Phoenix just down the road! The space is small but uncluttered, and they often host performances. The owner is super kind and always willing to help you find a book.

Librairie Henri Julien: A funky little gem, this one satisfies your need for organized chaos with teetering stacks of books and colourful murals.

Though chain bookstores have their advantages, in my mind the small dusty bookstores will always win. All Indigos are the same, but each small bookstore is different—you never know what treasures you’ll find.

Candles, teddy bears, teapots, iPod holders and even puffy, white, faux sheepskin blankets: walking through the ground floor of Ste-Catherine Street’s Indigo, it’s almost a surprise to discover that the store also sells—get this—books!

Across the island, it seems like major bookstores are focusing on selling unrelated paraphernalia in an attempt to make as much profit as possible, marketing to impulse-buyers and last-minute gift givers rather than real readers. It’s a shame that in a city with so many great independent booksellers, when most people need to get a book, magazine or comic, they’ll flock to a major outlet rather than discover some of Montreal’s lesser-known, better-stocked bookshops.

That’s what this week’s ARTiculate is about: starting a new chapter in our book-buying lives, looking beyond the big-box stores to the many little nook-and-cranny stores that offer more interesting merchandise, a far more knowledgeable staff and a less stressful shopping experience.

Fiction and non-fiction:

It’s only fair to begin with the McGill Ghetto’s long-established The Word Bookstore (469 Milton St.) Whether you need a book for class, want to pick up a nice (and possibly signed) edition of a classic for yourself or as a gift, or would just like to discover a new favourite novel, The Word has the staff and the stock to make sure you’ll find what you need. Every year, owner Adrian King-Edwards and his staff organize the massive Montreal Antiquarian Book Fair, hosted in our very own LB building, bringing antique, rare and limited-edition printings to the bibliophile.

Remember that little shop on Ste-Catherine Street with the cats, the boxes of books outside on the sidewalk, and the dimly-lit, unbelievably full shelves? Although it’s no longer at its old location, Westcott Books (4065 St-Laurent Blvd.) is still alive, well, and is ready to satiate even the most voracious readers. The new location looks spacious, airy, and features large front-store windows, and still stocks a great assortment of fiction and non-fiction from the words of Whitman to how-to manuals and photo books.

If you’re more of a Mile End person, S. W. Welch (225 St-Viateur W.) should be your bookstore of choice. It’s one of those tried-and-true gems that does everything right: from its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, organized and neat shelves, and wide variety of offerings in poetry, prose, and non-fiction, whatever you’re looking for, it’s a safe bet that S. W. Welch has got it. And if you just walk in to browse, you’re more than likely to discover something great.

Buying used is a preferred strategy of mine: it’s cheaper, better for the environment, and somehow more serendipitous than buying new. For when you’re just not finding that academic book for class, though, downtown’s Argo Bookshop (1915 Ste-Catherine W.) is probably your best bet. Argo often works with professors and classes in ordering copies of specific books, and they’ve usually got the best editions and translations on hand. Like most little shops, it’s got that cozy, comforting feel to it, and great staff to go with it.

Comics and manga:

Those of you who read comics know that there’s a certain ritualistic element involved in going to your usual comic bookshop: downtown’s 1000000 Comix (1418 Pierce) exemplifies that experience. On the outside, there’s the appeal of the facade itself, covered on one side by a superhero mural, and on the inside, it’s even better: knowledgeable staff will help you find whatever it is you’re looking for, suggest new titles, and create a hold list for you, keeping your titles aside each time they come in (perfect for distracted readers like yours truly). The main organizers of the Montreal ComicCon, 1000000 Comix helps to put the Montreal comic scene on the map, and as a testament to their success, the event gets bigger and better each year.

If it’s manga you’re interested in, Sci-Fi Anime (2186 Ste-Catherine W., suite 101) is your new haven. Run by a very friendly and well-versed owner whose Gundam model-making skills are unparalleled, the shop stocks the newest manga, anime, model kits and figurines straight from Japan. Bonus: they have a great liquidation section, with titles going as cheap as $3-4, and their entrance room is full of completed, professional-grade models and figures.

And how could we discuss Montreal comic retailers without mentioning the Mile End’s Drawn & Quarterly (211 Bernard St. W.)? Both a publishing house and an excellent shop, D&Q is known across the world as one of the finest comic publishing houses, and regularly hosts book launches, talks and events. If you’re looking for something more on the alternative side of comics, this is your best bet: just be careful, once you start browsing, it’s almost impossible to stop.