People Are Riled Up About Sign Outside Portsmouth, NH, Bookstore

I love the vibes of a small, independent bookstore. It's giving Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail" (if you know, you know, and if you don't know I'm not sure we can be friends.)

I was so excited to hear that there was a new bookstore in downtown Portsmouth! We've been hearing about so many of our favorite Portsmouth businesses closing their doors for good (especially downtown) that we are way overdue for some good news. And this is the perfect time for a cute little bookshop to open downtown, right before the beautiful weather hits. (any day now...)

Portsmouth Book Nook just opened on Daniel Street downtown. They describe themselves as:

"Rooted in the values of discovery and connection, the Portsmouth Book Nook is where readers and learners of all ages can come together to explore and celebrate the joy of books."

Andrew Bagley posted on the Portsmouth, NH community Facebook group a photo of the sign they had outside their shop this past weekend. It made people feel some type of way on social media.

Andrew Bagley via Facebook

Some notable comments were:

"Cringe.

You have a shop in a wealthy town...
The irony."

"Why would a billionaire own a little bookstore?"

and then the other end of the spectrum:

"I'd move home just to work for you guys!"

The sign was not a blatant political endorsement. However, if you follow what's going on in our country it's clear which side of the road these business owners stand on.

On the one hand, the owners of Portsmouth Book Nook have every right to have this sign outside their shop. But just because you can, doesn't mean it's good for business.

In our current contentious political climate, you run the risk of turning away potential customers if you bring up any mention of your political leanings. Some people feel very passionately and will not spend their money at a place that disagrees with their political beliefs.

I'd be curious to hear from other business owners. Do you keep your political beliefs separate from your business? Or do you put it all out there in hopes of attracting likeminded customers?

EDIT: Andrew Bagley (the person who initially shared the photo) said:

"t’s worth noting that the former owner Tom had the same sign for years. It’s a knock on Bezos and not to do with the current political climate IMHO"

25 Things That Will Annoy Any Granite Stater

These are the most annoying things to see, hear, or be apart of in New Hampshire.

Gallery Credit: Logan

13 Lies That New Hampshire Locals Tell Themselves

Gallery Credit: Megan

Source: People Are Riled Up About this Sign Outside Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Bookstore

Filed Under: WOKQ

Categories: Articles