Reading Frenzy Opens Storefront Location

Sheri Olson has always dreamed of opening a bookstore, she said. After retiring as a Christian pastor, Olson decided to make her dream a reality – one step at a time. In order to raise funds, Olson launched Reading Frenzy’s website, based out of Zimmerman, Minnesota, last year as an exclusively online store and made numerous appearances, and sales, at book fairs and book shows. She was extremely pleased with the results.

“We thought we’d have to be online for at least two years,” she said. “But everything just came together perfectly.”

Reading Frenzy Bookshop, a 1,567-square-foot storefront located on what Olson said is “Zimmerman’s busiest corner” had its soft opening on September 14. Olson is sure that her online presence not only allowed her to secure funds, but has also helped to create a buzz. The web to bricks-and-mortar transition has garnered local and industry-wide publicity, as well as helped build the store’s customer base.

“We kind of raised the anticipation level,” she said. “So many people have been coming into the store saying, ‘Oh, we’ve been waiting for you to open!’”

Reading Frenzy is the only bookstore in a 40-mile radius, and Olson is confident that it will fill the void that has existed in Zimmerman for years.

The store’s logo of a cartoon dog was inspired by the IndieBound slogan, “Sit. Stay. Read.” The dog, appropriately named “Frenzy,” has since animated the extensive children’s section of the store, a canine-themed corner called “Frenzy’s Backyard.”

“It’s a spot for kids to have fun while reading,” said Olson, who has furnished this part of the store with a child-size doghouse and asked a friend to help decorate by painting a colorful mural on one of the walls.

Reading Frenzy is a general bookstore that stays true to Olson’s roots with a “pastor’s picks” section. Sidelines include many gift items from local vendors – candies, clothing, and CDs produced by local artists. The store is located in an area known for hunting and fishing, so Olson plans to cater to the demographic by stocking numerous wildlife books, as well as calendars and journals.

Olson said that everything came together for her in terms of getting ready to open. She found all her fixtures on an online auction, which was a great help, and she decided to sell used and gently used books as well as new books to cut down inventory costs. An adjoining door between the store and its neighboring Dunn Bros. Coffee is scheduled to be installed later this week.

However, a few bumps in the road were to be expected. The build-out was delayed, which prompted Olson, along her husband (who serves as the store’s bookkeeper), her two staff members, and “lots of family and friends,” to work faster.

“For three weeks straight, we’ve literally been working around the clock. It’s been a little crazy, but we’re getting such unbelievable responses from everyone,” said Olson. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, I’ve been saying, and I’ve already learned so much. I’m very excited.”

Reading Frenzy’s grand opening is scheduled for October 16. Olson plans to have children and adult author visits, bookmark-making contests, and door prizes, and she is looking forward to inviting everyone from the community to celebrate with her.

“I’m really looking forward for this to be a place where everyone in the community, of all ages, can hang out,” she said.