Today we’d like to introduce you to Rima Parikh.
Hi Rima, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
With an undergraduate and graduate degree in computer science, I worked in the industry for close to 30 years in various companies -from startups to Fortune 7 – and various roles – starting as a programmer and rising to director of product management. Owning and running a bookstore was a retirement dream that became more urgent during COVID times. I quit my corporate job in April of 2021 and opened doors to The Thinking Spot at the end of November that year!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Having no background in retail or business in general, there was a lot to learn! Finding a good space at a price we could afford took longer. Mistakes were made during the leasing and buildout process that ended up costing more than it should have. Being self-funded we had limited budget for marketing which resulted in slow pickup during the first years. The biggest ongoing challenges are the location and the curation. Not being in a main street walkable area, we are a destination store that people have to choose to drive to. While the Twin Cities area has a huge and growing reader population, our collection being science first is a barrier to a number of those who are more comfortable with fiction books! Word of mouth is working its magic and we have had a steady growth year over year! We have been expanding our fiction selection since we opened and it is definitely bringing people in who then end up loving science books as well!
We’ve been impressed with The Thinking Spot Bookstore, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Thinking Spot is Minnesota’s first and only Science First Bookstore for ALL Ages. We offer nonfiction and fiction books that make you think and help expand your worldview!
Science books and Authors are typically shelved in a small back area at most bookstores. We are proud to present them front and center!
In our short existence, we are proud to have created a community of dedicated supporters from all walks of life – from parents with young children to retirees! We are proud to have become a 3rd place for our local community – with events for all ages – Bookclubs, Author Events, Workshops, Science Storytimes, Reading with a Cat/Dog, Bookstore Date Nights and Escape Room, Art and Craft workshops and more! – There is something for everyone and there is always something going on at The Spot!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Grit and Resilience – There are lots of downs in any business, especially so for one that is niche and based on a mission that does not immediately resonate with the majority of the population!
There are still days when not a single soul walks in and we have to not let that get us down and be ready for the next person who does walk in! There are events we put a lot of effort in, convince Authors to come, and then none to very few people show up.
Every day is different, there are NO permanent wins. Everyday you get up and think of more ways to engage the community and spread the word – one person, one book at a time!
Ability to hang in there and think long term gets us through the rough times!
Pricing:
- Bulk of our Inventory is new books priced as printed.
- We carry some Bargain Books that are new and 30% off!
- We also carry used books priced at a flat rate – all under $10.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thethinkingspot.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingspotus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thethinkingspot
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thinking-spot
