INDIE BOOKSTORE TAKES PAGE FROM MOVIE SCRIPT

Marine City, MI, USA 12/19/07 In the movie You've Got Mail, Meg Ryan starts a "Save the Shop Around the Corner" campaign when the viability of her independent children's bookstore is threatened by a big box chain store moving in across the street. Now, Jacqueline and Todd Wilson, owners of The Book Blues Bookstore in Marine City, Mich., are starting their own campaign.

“Save The Book Blues: Shop Locally or There Will Be No Local Shops” is something that the Wilsons started a week after they announced the possible closing of their bookstore. "We're struggling in an uncertain economy, especially in a state that is in one of the worst economic positions in the country. Add to that the fact that we are in a small, seasonal, tourist-based town and the future is not looking good," stated Jacqueline Wilson, who runs the day-to-day operations and co-owns the store with her husband, Todd.

Instead of just abruptly closing the store, the Wilsons have taken a unique approach. “It was a tough decision, but basically we decided to let our customers and the community know what was going on. This is not a time to be prideful or embarrassed. We felt that if the community really wanted us to stay then we should give them the chance to exhibit that,” said Wilson. "We especially owe it to the loyal customers."

The Wilsons recently emailed and bag stuffed letters describing their plight. "It was a tough letter to write. We're very involved in the community and feel like we’ve given the community a great deal in the short time we’ve been here. We love it here and many people love our store. Unfortunately, as a small, independent business, we cannot run on love alone." Since the publication of the letter, Wilson says the community support has been overwhelming. "We had customers in the store crying after the letter came out, but I'm cautiously optimistic," she said. "If we can keep up this kind of interest and support without it dying down after the hype, then there just might be a chance for us. Only time will tell."

Unfortunately, time is of the essence. The Wilsons, who are expecting their first child in March 2008, anticipate making a decision by the end of January 2008. "Having a baby has definitely factored into this decision. Couple that with the lease for our building expiring at the end of December, and we need to make a quick decision. We've asked for a one-month lease extension so that we can give closing thorough examination over the holidays. We need to not only do what is best for our store and community, but what is best for our family," she said.

The Book Blues Bookstore, LLC, opened in Marine City, Mich., a small, waterfront community about 1 hour northeast of Detroit, in June 2006. For more information, please contact 810.765.8111 or www.TheBookBlues.com.

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If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Jacqueline Wilson at 810/765-8111 or jwilson@TheBookBlues.com.