WHO ARE WE?
We are the bookie people of Fireside Books…..of course!
We are Stan and Jennifer Wallington. We’ ve been in Parksville since 1991. We, between the 2 of us, have four sons, Sean, Stacy, Eric, and David. We also have 2 grandsons, Jonah and Christopher. Happily our 3rd little bundle of joy arrived, a boy kalen joseph keen. Proud parents are Eric and Tiffany.
WHAT WE DO!
Well, we sell books. We trade books. We buy books.
We even have stuff in our store that we don’t sell!! (it’s just really fun to look at!!)
HISTORY OF THE BUSINESS
We’ve been in business since 1991. Hard to believe, but it’s true.
We opened our first store in Port Alberni, starting up with the Canada Futures program. We wanted to move into Parksville, so we sold that store and moved here in 1991. We had 2 stores in Coombs, when it was the good ol’ country theme, including cowboy fights, and train rides.
Our first store here in town was beside Thrifty Foods, in the little house across the street. We shared this house with another small business.
We were on the side that had the fireplace, so, alas, the name of the store was born. Next was Craig Street in the little red brick building, a wonderful little store, that we packed tight with lots of books. This location was our home for eight long exciting years!
For a short time, we had the store next door to Coldwell banker, but seems no one really liked walking up the street. I had a small place up in Chilham Village, quaint and cute, with an upstairs. My dog, Cody, and I had great times up there, with him running around out in the gardens, and meeting people at the door.
In-between these stores was the other Craig Street location across from where we are now, 119 Craig Street. Cody used to go back and forth to visit Stan and I through out the day.
Last but not least, is our present location across from the Pacific Brimm, 114 Middleton Ave. You know, the one with the gnomes painted all over it. We have been in this store for about 8 years now. It’s nice and big, for us to squeeze as many books as we can get in there.
We have had about 9 locations through the years, and have loved every minute of our “adventure in business”
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR CUSTOMERS
We do book searches.
We offer gift certificates
An opportunity to have a club card – and what is this you might ask?
You can buy 10 books of any kind, then get a free pocketbook.
An opportunity to have a credit in the store – confused?
25% of the cover price of your books.
We also buy books for 10% of the cover price.
( we’ll explain all this, again, when you come into the store!!)
WHAT MAKES OUR STORE SPECIAL?
Stan has always made a point of picking up different types of books that no one else has had in their stores, or our customers have been looking for. Something unique, as he would put it. Recently, we have been picking up different kinds of knick knacks for hanging around the store. We now have statues, bookends, cars, horse brasses, victorian photos, melachite figures from africa, and probably other items I can’t think of at the moment. The best idea for new and old customers alike, is to visit us at the store. Don’t forget….look for the gnomes, you can’t miss them.
And remember….. ” a book is a gift you open again and again! “
