The Little Bookshop in Downtown Squamish is changing its name and rebranding as Gather Bookshop next month.
“We’re outgrowing our name. And so, leveraging the collective brainpower of our community, we’ve spent months crafting a pivot that reflects our existing values while supporting our continued growth.” says owner Julie Wilkins. “We’ve realized we aren’t so ‘little’ anymore.”
In the first two years, Little Bookshop shifted from a mobile shop to a cozy storefront on Second Avenue, grew into a team of 10 people, and moved from a kids-focussed bookstore to a thoughtfully curated selection of books and gifts for adults. It has also become a community hub and hosts over 100 events, workshops, book clubs, story times, author talks, space rentals, and other events.
Little Bookshop also won two Business Excellence Awards from the Squamish Chamber and has donated thousands of dollars worth of books, gifts, and more back to the Sea to Sky community. Why Gather? Wilkins said the word ‘gather’ repeatedly came through in the brand development process and is a reminder that the bookshop is not just a retail space, but also a community hub.
Gather Bookshop will strive to be a local partner and support local community groups, aligning with other small businesses and generally gathering local goodness. “We have always been more than just a sweet little shop with great book taste. We are rooted in human connection in all that we do; whether in pages full of unique perspectives, or within the walls of a safe space to be yourself,” Wilkins said.
Gather Bookstore is opening a new location in Oliver, BC in May. Ashley Oakes, PearlSpace Executive Director, said Gather bookshop is not only a lovely, welcoming and thoughtfully curated bookstore but also provides space for local artists and writers to share their craft while acting as a community hub providing safe and inclusive space for all groups.
