7 Items to Buy to Help Save the Strand Bookstore

Life

Nov 3

This quintessential New York bookstore is in trouble and there are plenty of ways you can help

Written by Kelly Carbone

The Strand, a family-owned independent bookstore located on Broadway in Union Square, has been known as many things over its long and colorful history. It’s the last of the original Book Row stores still standing, a known and loved hideaway for book lovers throughout the city. It’s been featured in popular movies from Remember Me to Julia & Julia, and was even recently named a New York City landmark. And now this well-known and loved store needs our help. Like it has with many other smaller stores, COVID has deeply impacted The Strand’s business. Owner Nancy Bass Wyden took to Instagram this past weekend begging followers to help save her treasured store, citing a 70% decrease in sales this past year, and now people from all across the city are banding together to help keep this piece of literary history afloat. If you’d like to help play a part in saving The Strand, we’ve included a list of some of the store’s most popular products to buy for book lovers and non-book lovers alike.

A book and bookmark combo
Whether looking for a signed copy, a new release, or a used book that’s lived a lot of life, if you can’t make a visit to the actual store, The Strand still has you covered. You can easily browse for books on their website. There’s even an option to browse by collection, which allows users to look at books from each floor and table of the physical store locations, making it feel like you’re searching the stacks yourself. Pair your book with a nice bookmark to create your perfect reading experience. The online store sells a range of them, from fandom-related bookmarks like Game of Thrones to landmark-related bookmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, so you have lots of freedom
to express your creativity.

A coffee and mug duo
This is the perfect pick for all you caffeine fiends. The Strand makes its own brand of coffee, aptly named Lost in the Stacks. Described as having a “fruity and oh so mellow” flavor, this cup of mocha is sure to bring a happy buzz to your day. Pair with one of The Strand’s many bibliophile related mugs for a way to really transform your daily coffee ritual. If you’re not the biggest book fan, no need to worry; this is still an awesome pick for you! The Strand sells a ton of non-book related mugs that you can enjoy as well. There’s even a nice RBG mug.

A cozy candle
The Strand also sells a long line of candles perfect to enhance your reading experience or just to enjoy on a cozy fall day. From clever literary-related scents like Gatsby’s Green Light, Rainy Day Reads, and Scarlet Letter to general solacing scents like Matcha + Mint, Brown Sugar Rum, and Petal, you’re sure to find an item you'll love.

A comfy winter hat
Although you can pick from a wide variety of Strand apparel, their winter hat is one of my personal favorites. It’s not only a comfy and practical winter essential, with its vibrant colors like cobalt blue and neon pink, it’s also an easy way to step up your fall and winter fashion game. With a one-size-fits-all fit it’s the perfect pick for everyone.

A retro record
Although The Strand is most known for its extensive book collection, it’s also a great place to dive into the world of music. They carry a wide range of vinyl records, from newer artists like Lana Del Rey to more vintage artists like Belgian singer Jaques Brel. Visit the store in person to browse for some unexpected finds or visit their website to order a well-known favorite.

The iconic tote
If you’ve made even one NYC morning commute you’re sure to have seen at least one of The Strand’s iconic tote bags. This purchase is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. You can use the bag for grocery shopping, your work supplies, or to hold all your standard purse items. They come in a range of designs, so whether you’re looking to rep the Strand with their retro or more classic store logos or celebrate a role model like Michelle Obama or RBG with their icon line, you’ll have tons of options to choose from.

The everything-you-need subscription box
This is the perfect pick for someone who isn’t sure what they want or someone who wants something from pretty much every section of the store. If you sign up for a subscription box you get a signed copy of a new release, a paperback book, and a mini assortment of literary goodies. You can even pick from different categories, like Art & Photography, YA, Classics, and more so that you receive a box that really hones in on your interests.

Keep In Touch