In a year, revenues have increased almost 30 percent, boosted by book fairs, in-store birthday celebrations and orders for adult and children’s book clubs, service groups, and churches. Since taking helm, Kolodzik has more than tripled sales, ranging from $12,000 to $15,000 a month. Her landlord replaced the blue-green carpet that was so frayed no cleaner would touch it. Kolodzik has more than doubled its outdated inventory to 10,000 books, targeting newborns to age 18, adding plush tie-ins and converting the loft to Our Cool Friend, where kids can build their own stuffed animals.Įarlier this month, Kolodzik closed for a week for a much-needed remodel, constructing rails along the steps leading to the stage, removing the platform’s side stairs and expanding the back party room. Supporters say she’s revived the store’s charm, whimsy, power to captivate kids and above all, its beating heart.īy recovering its magic, The Frugal Frigate, christened for poet Emily Dickinson’s book as ship metaphor, is enjoying some smoother sailing. The 2,000-square-foot historic gem sparkles in a former carriage house that was built in the early 19th century at 9 North 6th Street. “I’m the gatekeeper, to keep the door open for the community under my watch.”īut Kolodzik, who has a strong business background, hasn’t simply propped up the listing store. “This is a child that belongs to Redlands,” said Kolodzik, 60. “There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away, Nor any Coursers like a Page Of prancing Poetry – This Traverse may the poorest take Without oppress of Toll – How frugal is the Chariot That bears a Human soul.”įour years ago, when Gay Kolodzik piloted the sinking Frugal Frigate, a children’s bookstore in Redlands, she felt as though she’d adopted an orphan.īattered by e-books, online retailers and a capsized economy, the iconic enclave seemed to be writing its own epilogue.
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