Page 158 Books of Wake Forest was recently recognized as a 2019 Retailer of the Year, one of two leading retail businesses to receive the honor from the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA). The awards were presented during NCRMA’s Annual Retailer of the Year awards luncheon at the North Carolina Science Museum on Thursday, April 4.
Page 158 Books, an independent book store in Wake Forest, is owned by Dave and Suzanne Lucey. The Luceys were honored in recognition of their role as not just successful retailers, but as retailers committed to their customers and their community. And, in typical Lucey fashion, they plan to celebrate the award with the community and their staff on April 27 – Independent Bookstore Day.
Page 158 Books opened its doors in July 2015 and quickly established its place in the Wake Forest business community. Circumstances forced them to move their original location in 2017, which can be risky for any business, but especially such a new business. However, the Lucey’s found a new location and got back to business as soon as possible, much to the delight of their customers.
Customers have come to appreciate the extra steps the Luceys take to make shopping their store an experience. Evening with featured authors at the store for interviews and book signings are a common occurrence at Page 158. If you want to be part of a book club, they have one for every age group and also specific genres. The Luceys also work closely with area schools to make sure the required reading books are in stock for the ease of parents and students.
Today, the Lucey’s have a second location in Wendell. There, they operate a smaller store within Wine and Beer 101 in partnership with its owner, Joe O’Keefe, a fellow Wake Forest businessman and friend.
Page 158 Books is also a strong supporter of their community. They have hosted literary festivals, with proceeds going to support needy children in their area that don’t have books. They also host book drives for free books and give raffle prizes for schools and charities in their area.
“We are proud of Dave and Suzanne, along with all of our retail members, for their efforts to provide superior value and service to their customers,” said NCRMA President and General Counsel Andy Ellen. “Our award recipients this year deserve statewide recognition because they are helping to sustain local economies, adapting to meet the needs of their customers, and giving back to their local communities.”
In addition to Page 158 Books, Piggly Wiggly of NC was also honored as a 2019 Retailer of the Year.
