I sell new books through my storefront on a small town’s main street. Located at 110 South Main St., in the heart of downtown Salisbury, NC, South Main Book Company provides a carefully-curated selection of locally authored titles, new books, literary memorabilia, and keepsakes.
We sell new books with a focus on North Carolina, literary fiction, children’s books and new releases.
The store has been in operation on this street for over 20 years and is the only retail bookstore within 25 miles. We are an hour from either Charlotte or Greensboro/Winston-Salem. Our town is home to a symphony, several performing arts spaces, and multiple institutions of higher learning. I have expanded our store’s partnerships with local schools and safely hosted several in-store events promoting literacy, despite the pandemic.
Alissa’s story
I bought this bookstore in 2020 after my young daughter and I were abruptly evacuated from Bolivia, where I served as an American diplomat. I did not know then if I had the right stuff as a retailer; now I have proven I am capable of driving this store forward for many more years to come. I did really on a number of financial aid programs, grants, and free mentoring service for women and minority owned businesses. They helped me make it through as I want on this journey. Learn more on free mentoring for women owned businesses.
I have donated over $15,000 in books to various institutions in Rowan County, and expect to continue that trend for the rest of my life. I am so grateful to my community for embracing my family, particularly as I moved just prior to COVID’s less welcome arrival. I intend to raise my family here surrounded by good neighbors, and good books.