It was a special milestone for Catherine Wiebe.
Her idea of a small independent book store, which she opened up in uncertain times back in 2021, officially celebrated its 1 year anniversary.
We went to Firefly And Fox Books in Downtown Simcoe to speak with Wiebe about how the first year went, but it was clear just in the time spent there on a weekday afternoon that this little store has made a big splash with the community.
It was a revolving door of individuals coming in looking for books, some with a set book in mind and others with just an idea of what kind of book they – or someone they are shopping for – may enjoy.
That is where you got to see the true charm of an independent book store shine through.
That connection to the customer is key for Wiebe.
When people shop at a local bookstore not only are you helping local businesses, you are also getting that one on one interaction that lacks in the digital world or when shopping in a big corporate setting.
Some of the people who came in that afternoon knew Wiebe, so she was able to easily guide them in the right direction while also engaging in talks about their lives in between.
Then there were other individuals who walked in without that personal connection, like a mom looking for a graduation present for her kid leaving SK and a grandfather looking for a book to send his grandkid for their first overnight trip to a camp.
Those kind of requests require Wiebe to use her people skills and her bookworm brain to make the perfect connection, and she takes this role very seriously.
This kind of connection is what Wiebe dreamed of one year ago when she opened the store.
She has fond memories of visiting the bookstore in the mall as a kid, and the idea of being a stones throw away from the high school really connected with her – seeing it as a perfect little place that “young Catherine” would love to visit.
And she does have that connection.
At least two high school kids walked in during our chat, knowing Wiebe by name, and discussing books and family and other aspects of life.
She has found that word has spread far about Firefly and Fox books, and she feels the store is making a difference.
She adds that it’s some of those little touches that make the biggest difference as well, like unique locally made bookmarks that go out with each book.
This year, she has had lots of fun being the go to place for that “teacher gift” and bought an assortment of coloured pens and markers for writing out gift cards in school colours.
Wiebe wants to continue to grow, bringing in unique stories to the store, and strives to make those personal connections in the community for years to come.
Written by: Matt LeBlanc
Photo courtesy of Stephen Faulkner, who was on hand at their one year celebration snapping photos of the event.