I was looking for a local independent bookstore to check out while I was in Charlotte, and after reading so many positive reviews, I decided to stop by Trope Bookshop. I really wanted to love it, but unfortunately it wasn't quite the welcoming experience I was hoping for.
The bookstore itself is adorable. It's on the smaller, cozy side, but it's thoughtfully laid out and surprisingly well-stocked. They have comfortable spots where you can sit and read or take your time deciding which books to bring home, which I appreciated. Browsing was easy, and I liked that they carried several books by one of my favorite authors. Their bookmark selection was also adorable, I couldn't leave without buying one.
My experience with the staff, however, was a bit disappointing.
When I walked in, there were only a couple of people in the store, but I wasn't greeted or acknowledged. The cashier seemed occupied on her phone, and I felt more like I was interrupting than walking into a local bookstore. I walked up to ask if they carried a specific book genre I was looking for, and the response was simply a blunt, "No."
Since they didn't have it, I asked if she had any recommendations based on what I normally enjoy reading, and other genres I wanted to explore. After I explained my preferences, she suggested a few different genres and eventually walked around the store gathering several books for me to look through. Ironically, just as she was helping me, the store suddenly became much busier.
I appreciated the effort she made putting together a stack of recommendations, and after narrowing them down, I actually ended up purchasing one of the books she suggested. A few of the recommendations were part of ongoing series, which can be a little hit-or-miss for me since I prefer knowing I'll enjoy the first book before committing to the rest.
Overall, the bookstore has a great selection, a cozy atmosphere, and plenty to browse despite its size. I genuinely enjoyed exploring the shelves and could easily spend time here.
I really wanted this to be a 4-star review because the store itself has so much charm. Unfortunately, the initial interaction with the staff left me feeling like I was bothering her rather than being welcomed into a local bookstore. Customer service can really shape a first impression, especially for first-time visitors.
That said, I still left with a new book and a cute bookmark, so I don't regret stopping in. I just hope future visits feel a little warmer because the bookstore itself definitely has the potential to be a favorite. read more