Beehive Bookstore farewell & thanks

Amidst the chaos of closing Beehive, I have had little time to reflect on the passing of Beehive Bookstore as a San Jose/South Bay LDS institution which has been around for more than 30 years. As things slow down, I wanted to take time to share some thoughts and express appreciation to many who have become part of our bookstore "family."  

When we took over the bookstore in the summer of 2007 from Randy and Kathy Winn, we felt like we were embarking on a grand adventure.  I was excited to learn about and work with the LDS books and products we carried in the store and meet the needs of our customers for uplifting, inspiring resources that would educate, motivate, entertain and bless their families.  Little did I know how much I would learn about the bookstore business and how rewarding my associations with so many wonderful people would become.  As much as I have enjoyed learning more about the products we carried, I have enjoyed much more meeting and interacting with our wonderful customers.  I have had lively discussions about fiction, doctrine, history, art, jewelry, videos, music and children's books and enjoyed every one.  I have been inspired as I have listened to challenges and triumphs.  I have been humbled by the honesty, generosity and good wishes that have been extended.  What a blessing it has been to work in a place with inspiring art, uplifting music and wonderful employees and customers.

As I look back on our bookstore experience would like to express my appreciation to many who have been part of our bookstore blessings:

To Randy and Kathy Winn for their generous sharing of their experience and mentoring until we figured out what we were doing and for their ongoing interest and encouragement.

To the wonderful and reliable employees with whom I have been privileged to work with over the years.  No words can properly express my appreciation for their diligence in helping our customers and with store operations not to mention the moral support amidst tears and laughter (with each other and with our customers). 

To the elders of the San Jose Mission in Feburary 2008 and members of the BYU Management Society's Silicon Valley Women who helped us when we moved to our Bascom Ave store.  The missionaries who visited our store from time to time always brought a very special spirit with them.

To the many helpful publisher and distributor representatives and officials with whom I have worked and whose friendly association I will greatly miss.

To the officers and board of the LDS Booksellers Association for all they do to help independent bookstores succeed with the annual convention and ongoing programs and networking.

To other store owners with whom I have associated with, learned from and been inspired by.

To local church leaders who, as appropriate, supported us as a resources to local members.

To our fabulous customers, both loyal and casual, who let us serve them.

And most of all, to my wonderful husband who kept the financial records and paid the bills and whose support and encouragement made it all possible.

We will miss so much about our bookstore experience.  We regret that we were not able to find someone to take over the bookstore and adapt to the changes brought about by the digital revolution, but it was not to be.  We are looking forward to a new phase in our life with new challenges and adventures. 

So, with mixed emotions we say farewell to the Beehive.  Thanks to all who have been part of the Beehive Bookstore community.

Susan Fredrickson