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For a true book lover, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of wandering through rows of bookshelves, discovering new authors, and revisiting beloved classics. Whether it's the inviting scent of paperbacks or the allure of hidden gems tucked away in a corner, the perfect bookstore is a sanctuary for the imagination. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite places to shop for books—both physical and online—where I’ve found the best reads and experienced that magical connection only a fellow bibliophile can understand. Let’s embark on a journey through my personal book-buying havens!
For avid readers like myself, the perfect bookstore is more than just a place to purchase the next addition to our personal libraries—it’s a space where stories come to life. Whether online or in-person, each shop I frequent offers a unique experience, and I often find myself happily losing track of time as I browse through endless possibilities. While my favorite bookstores are tailored to where I live, the joy of finding great reads can be experienced no matter where you are.
My personal book-buying routine revolves around three main stores that never disappoint. First up is Book Outlet, an online-only treasure trove where I find unbeatable deals on both new releases and old favorites. Then, there’s Indigo (or Coles if you’re in a smaller town), a Canadian staple with a well-curated selection of books, lifestyle items, and cozy reading spaces that make every visit feel special. And finally, a local gem called Books & Company holds a special place in my heart. There’s something so charming about supporting a small, independent bookstore where the staff knows your name and can recommend books you’ll absolutely love.
While these are my go-to shops, there’s no shortage of incredible bookstores, no matter where you are in the world. From hidden indie gems to expansive online retailers, every reader can find their own bibliophile’s paradise. In this post, I’ll take you through what makes each of these stores so special to me and why they continue to feed my insatiable love for books.
Book Outlet
Book Outlet is, without a doubt, my favorite place to buy books. As an avid reader on a budget, I’ve been able to score deals that simply can’t be found elsewhere. To put it into perspective, I’ve spent $125 on 15 books at Book Outlet, which would have only gotten me five—maybe six—books at Indigo or similar retail stores. The sheer savings alone makes it my go-to site, but there’s more to love than just the prices.
Here’s something not everyone knows: the secret behind Book Outlet’s unbeatable deals lies in how they source their inventory. The books and other items available on the site come from special buys, publishers' excess inventory, and store returns. This allows them to offer titles at deeply discounted prices, making it a haven for bargain hunters like myself. Sure, they don’t always have the latest releases, but that’s a small trade-off when you consider the incredible value you’re getting. If you’re willing to wait a bit for certain titles to pop up, it’s an amazing way to expand your collection without breaking the bank.
Despite the occasional drawback of missing out on the freshest bestsellers, I can confidently say I will always be a returning customer. The deals are simply too good to resist, and I’ve discovered so many fantastic reads this way that I might not have picked up otherwise. Whether you’re looking for something specific or open to exploring new titles, Book Outlet is a bibliophile’s dream, and I can't recommend it enough!
Indigo
Next on my list of favorite places to shop for books is Indigo, and honestly, it’s a top pick for one key reason: they have the newest releases. There’s nothing like getting your hands on the latest book from a favorite author the moment it hits shelves, and Indigo’s wide selection never disappoints. Beyond that, I love their rewards program. It’s a fantastic way to earn points on my purchases, which I can later redeem for discounts—a nice bonus for a frequent book buyer like me. Indigo also fills in the gaps where Book Outlet may fall short. For example, I’ll sometimes find the first book in a series on Book Outlet at a great price and then head to Indigo to pick up the rest. Or it happens the other way around, where Indigo has the first book but not the rest. Either way, the two stores often complement each other perfectly depending on what I’m looking for.
One of my favorite features of Indigo is the ability to preorder books. Preordering ensures I’ll get the book right when it’s released, often delivered straight to my door. Preorders feel like special little presents arriving in the mail, and they’re perfect for those titles I simply can’t wait to devour. Indigo operates with a simple yet impactful mission: “To inspire reading and simplify our customers' journeys to live with intention.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with me, as their selection and services truly make it easy to enjoy the world of books while enriching my lifestyle. Whether I’m exploring the newest releases or browsing their beautifully curated stores, Indigo has a special place in my heart for all things reading.
Books & Company
Last but certainly not least is Books & Company. While it falls third on my list, it’s really only because of personal preference, as I truly love all bookstores. This local gem has a special place in my heart, even though their romance section is a bit lacking, which is often my first genre of choice. That said, what Books & Company might miss in variety, it more than makes up for in its warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you feel welcome, whether you’re there to make a purchase or just to browse and soak in the cozy environment.
One of the highlights of Books & Company is the fantastic sales they offer, making it a great spot to snag a good deal. But what really sets it apart is their dedication to promoting local history through used and rare books. As their website proudly states, they sell out-of-print, hard-to-find books that focus on local and British Columbia history whenever they can get their hands on them. This unique selection is made possible thanks to the owner, Owen, who takes it upon himself to make pilgrimages around the province in search of these hidden treasures. The lengths Owen goes to in tracking down these rare finds are impressive. He’ll often source books directly from authors or people who have taken on remaining stock of certain titles, setting up special agreements to bring them into the store. These rare books are often in excellent condition, though some may show their age, which only adds to their charm. Pricing reflects not just the condition of the books, but also the effort it takes to bring them to local readers.
For anyone with an interest in regional history or for those who simply appreciate the character of used books, Books & Company offers something truly special. Despite its limited romance section, this store will always remain one of my favorites for its community focus and commitment to keeping BC’s literary past alive.
While Book Outlet, Indigo, and Books & Company are my top three bookstores, I have to admit that whenever I travel (which hasn't been as often as I'd like), I always make it a point to explore local bookstores. There’s something special about wandering through a new city and stumbling upon a charming, independent shop. More often than not, I’ll leave with a book or two—something unique to that region or just a title I hadn’t seen elsewhere. It’s a way for me to experience the local literary culture, and it’s become a bit of a tradition.
An honorary mention has to go to Amazon, which, for me, serves a specific role in my book-buying habits. First, when I can’t find a particular print book at any of my top three stores, Amazon is my go-to backup. This happens more often than I’d like, especially with hard-to-find or niche titles. I always check Book Outlet, Indigo, and Books & Company first, but when none of them carry the book I need, Amazon usually comes through with availability.
Secondly, I rely on Amazon for my Kindle purchases. I love my Kindle for convenience, especially when traveling or wanting to read something instantly. All my e-books are purchased through Amazon, and it’s become my main platform for digital reads. While I prefer physical books most of the time, the Kindle and Amazon make it easy to access a massive library of titles when I need something on the go. Though Amazon isn’t where I turn first, it definitely plays a role in my reading life, especially when I’m in search of hard-to-find books or looking for digital options for my Kindle.
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