New Bookstore in South Orange

I was driving by today, and it looks like a new bookstore is coming to the old Kimaya Kama space. There was a big sign in the window saying that Cafe Word Bookstore was coming soon.I have noticed that some work was being done in the store in recent weeks.

Ooooh!!!!! That's exciting.

I saw that the other day and am very very excited about it!

Truly?? I'm gonna go check it out!!

Great!

Everyone needs to shop there to keep it going, so spread the word!

That's a small space for a Cafe/Bookstore. I'll be interested to see what kind of bookstore it ends up being.

mrincredible said:
That's a small space for a Cafe/Bookstore. I'll be interested to see what kind of bookstore it ends up being.

I agree, its very small. I wonder if it will end up being a "real" bookstore, or just a kind of card store with books. I work in publishing, so it is a smart move for them to start small. If they do well, there are plenty of empty larger spaces they can move into in town. Also, the location is good, as they are right across the street from Mara's and the other new businesses, in a part of town that seems to get more foot traffic. Also, they are supposedly going to eventually build something next to the bookstore, on the parking lot.

And if it's more of a café than a bookstore, it's an interesting location choice since Mara's is nearly across the street... hmm...

Sounds like a great addition to a vacant downtown spot.

TarheelsInNj said:
And if it's more of a café than a bookstore, it's an interesting location choice since Mara's is nearly across the street... hmm...

I haven't tried the food but Mara's had been a pretty big disappointment in the coffee department. Bad beans brewed poorly.

I saw it yesterday, and did notice that the space was small. It should be a wonderful addition to the downtown, and wish them much success.

Counting on Vic DeLuca and Maplewood to vote for South Orange as best downtown in NJ.

Expat question: where is it located?

On South Orange Avenue. If you remember where the Reservoir is, it's in the same building.

The Google Street View image is a trifle out of date. It shows The Little Candle Shop in the location and the building next door is still standing

I've had a fantasy about opening a bookstore/café/art gallery in the former Blockbuster space. I hope the new store is wildly successful and maybe some day expands there.

Thanks, Mr. I, I remember Reservoir & candle shop. That is small, unless it's deeper than one would think.

sarahzm said:
I've had a fantasy about opening a bookstore/café/art gallery in the former Blockbuster space. I hope the new store is wildly successful and maybe some day expands there.

I have had the same fantasy, about the same location.

Klinker said:

TarheelsInNj said:
And if it's more of a café than a bookstore, it's an interesting location choice since Mara's is nearly across the street... hmm...

I haven't tried the food but Mara's had been a pretty big disappointment in the coffee department. Bad beans brewed poorly.

Ate at Mara's in New Providence [?] and it was delicious - was so looking forward to their opening here. Maybe it just needs some tweaking...

cramer said:
I saw it yesterday, and did notice that the space was small. It should be a wonderful addition to the downtown, and wish them much success.
Counting on Vic DeLuca and Maplewood to vote for South Orange as best downtown in NJ.

We'll be there for that vote (as many of us were not long ago for the rescue squad.)

sac said:

cramer said:
I saw it yesterday, and did notice that the space was small. It should be a wonderful addition to the downtown, and wish them much success.
Counting on Vic DeLuca and Maplewood to vote for South Orange as best downtown in NJ.

We'll be there for that vote (as many of us were not long ago for the rescue squad.)

Thank you.

Our downtown is coming along nicely, and it's nice to see new businesses locate in South Orange. The downtown is definitely much more lively than it was several years ago.

We need a daycare to open in the old Blockbuster space!

I don't think it would be a good space for a day care. A lot of that space is far from windows. Dark and gloomy.

mrincredible said:
I don't think it would be a good space for a day care. A lot of that space is far from windows. Dark and gloomy.

So more of a pondering, peering kind of space ... so creepy bookstore?

I peeked in the window the other day.  It looks to be a small religious bookstore.

mrincredible said:
I peeked in the window the other day.  It looks to be a small religious bookstore.

That was my guess, based on the name (and the size of the space).

Wasn't there another religious bookstore on SOA on the block where Harder's Locksmith is?

And there was a a religious bookstore on Irvington, too. 

But I can't imagine the owners of Words in Maplewood are too thrilled about a bookstore with such a similar name opening nearby.

I'm crushed. I began the thread a minute ago, so excited and now, seduced and abandoned. Nothing against religion but I was dreaming of a mini Borders where I could grab a coffee and peruse books. Or imagine a bookstore that had a wine bar!  I hate ordering books online and Kindle will never replace my book collection.

Well THAT's disappointing. 

My understanding is that it's an inspirational and motivational niche bookstore that will include a religious section but other book categories as well.