Little Rock bookstore grows with events, partnerships, and e-commerce

Kandi West is the co-owner and general manager of WordsWorth Books in Little Rock. With a background in information-technology project management, she began working part-time at the shop while caring for her family, bought in when an owner stepped back, and became managing owner in 2022.

WordsWorth has been around for at least 30 years, and West says her aim is to "preserve the store for the next generation." To boost revenue and build sustainability, the team has expanded its online shop, staged more in-store events, and forged community partnerships.

West focused on inventory management after taking a course, noting that books are "literally like money on the shelf" and that "it needed to be a little more profitable before I felt like I could push it to grow." Sales have increased about 7% a year since 2022.

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