The grand opening of Pages & Peonies, inviting readers into a space dedicated to romance literature.
Grand Rapids welcomed Pages & Peonies, a new women and LGBTQ-owned romance bookstore, at its grand opening on Saturday. The store aims to provide a cozy community hub for romance readers, offering a diverse collection of romance literature and themed merchandise. Opening day festivities included complimentary treats, door prizes, and a welcoming atmosphere for all readers. Pages & Peonies is committed to supporting indie authors and hosting community events, including a special book club. This launch reflects the growing popularity of romance novels and the expanding landscape of independent bookstores in the area.
Grand Rapids, Michigan celebrated the grand opening of Pages & Peonies, a new women and LGBTQ-owned romance bookstore, on Saturday at 10 a.m. Located at the corner of Alpine Avenue NW and 3 Mile Road, the store aims to become a welcoming hub for romance readers of all backgrounds.
The opening day festivities attracted a long line of eager readers, stretching out the door and along the sidewalk. Customers were greeted upon entry with a complimentary dessert table provided by Novel Pastries from Marne, and every visitor received a free raffle ticket. The event featured various door prizes, giveaways, and themed baskets, including a mystery bag and a spicy-themed bag.
Pages & Peonies boasts an expansive collection of romance literature, catering to diverse tastes. Genres available at the store include romantasy, dark romance, contemporary romance, and queer romance. The owners emphasize supporting indie authors, showcasing both well-known writers like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, as well as lesser-known talents. In addition to books, the store offers an assortment of merchandise, including jewelry, keychains, candles, vases, apparel, cards, and crochet flowers.
The bookstore’s inclusive mission focuses on attracting diverse groups of readers, with a special emphasis on mothers shopping for romance novels. A designated children’s area with books and a play space allows parents to browse while their kids are entertained. Pages & Peonies also hosts a “Spicy Pages Book Club,” providing members with a monthly themed book, tea, stickers, and a unique themed item.
The owners, Sarah Gramza-Howard and Jess Hodges, view Pages & Peonies as a community space to connect readers. This is their first retail venture, and they signed a three-year lease, performing most renovations with family assistance. They documented their journey through vlogs, sharing updates on the store’s progress leading up to the grand opening. Their belief in the market potential for romance novels is underscored by a recent resurgence in the genre’s popularity.
Interestingly, Pages & Peonies is the second attempt at establishing a romance-centric bookstore in Grand Rapids, following the short-lived Lovebound Books and Gifts. Recent trends show a growing interest in bookstores in the area, as evidenced by the opening of several independent stores such as Black Dog Books and Records, Orchard House Books and Cafe, and Cellar Bird Books.
Furthermore, statistical data indicates that romance is the third most-read genre in the United States, reflecting a rising interest in romance literature, particularly among women. The success of the grand opening and the supportive atmosphere within Pages & Peonies suggest a promising future for both the bookstore and its community-driven initiatives.
The welcoming ambiance created inside Pages & Peonies includes fresh-cut flowers and inviting decor, making it a cozy spot for readers to immerse themselves in their literary passions. With a strong focus on fostering a sense of community among romance readers, Pages & Peonies aims to become a beloved destination in Grand Rapids.
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