Final Thoughts From Joe Murphy
Hi Everyone-
Some news: I'm afraid that this will be my final bit of enews commentary for Olsson's. I have taken a new position as a sales representative for the publisher W.W. Norton, and I will be moving to my new territory, Southern California, at the beginning of the new year.
January would have marked my 17th anniversary at Olsson's, and last month marked my 11th as a book buyer. As I told my co-workers when I presented the news: I've spent my entire adult life at Olsson's, and I haven't regretted a single moment of it. I have met the most amazing, wonderful people here, and I've made friends so great that just the thought of knowing them makes me beam with pride. I've also received an education in books, music and culture that one would be hard-pressed to find in even the best universities. The people with whom I've worked are the smartest, wittiest, kindest, most giving, and most decent bunch anyone could ever hope to encounter. And they still represent the living, breathing heart of Olsson's.
Perhaps the ultimate question for you, the customer, is: why shop at Olsson's? We may not compete on massive inventories or loss-leader discounts--as an independent, we can't--but we try on service, knowledge, and understanding that books are representations of ideas, not just widgets. And, finally, if you're lucky enough to wander into an Olsson's and meet anyone like the people I have, you've received an irreplaceable free gift with purchase.
I'm very excited about my new adventure--I've never even visited California! Norton is a fantastic publisher and one for which crossing the country is well worth it. But I will always remember the wonderful years I spent in what I will always consider the world's greatest bookstore.
My successor is the very capable, hyper-intelligent Alexis Akre, who has been the buyer at the Courthouse/Arlington store for the last few years. I know that she will do an amazing job. You can look forward to hearing from her soon in this same space.
I'm off to spend my last two days in the most fitting way possible: getting books on the shelves at our new Crystal City location. We'll send out another e-blast when the store opens (any time now), and I can't wait for you all to come see it.
My best to all our wonderful customers. I hope to see you in the stores next time I visit, as a customer myself, after all these years.
Best Wishes and Happy Holidays,
Joe Murphy
Head Book Buyer
Some news: I'm afraid that this will be my final bit of enews commentary for Olsson's. I have taken a new position as a sales representative for the publisher W.W. Norton, and I will be moving to my new territory, Southern California, at the beginning of the new year.
January would have marked my 17th anniversary at Olsson's, and last month marked my 11th as a book buyer. As I told my co-workers when I presented the news: I've spent my entire adult life at Olsson's, and I haven't regretted a single moment of it. I have met the most amazing, wonderful people here, and I've made friends so great that just the thought of knowing them makes me beam with pride. I've also received an education in books, music and culture that one would be hard-pressed to find in even the best universities. The people with whom I've worked are the smartest, wittiest, kindest, most giving, and most decent bunch anyone could ever hope to encounter. And they still represent the living, breathing heart of Olsson's.
Perhaps the ultimate question for you, the customer, is: why shop at Olsson's? We may not compete on massive inventories or loss-leader discounts--as an independent, we can't--but we try on service, knowledge, and understanding that books are representations of ideas, not just widgets. And, finally, if you're lucky enough to wander into an Olsson's and meet anyone like the people I have, you've received an irreplaceable free gift with purchase.
I'm very excited about my new adventure--I've never even visited California! Norton is a fantastic publisher and one for which crossing the country is well worth it. But I will always remember the wonderful years I spent in what I will always consider the world's greatest bookstore.
My successor is the very capable, hyper-intelligent Alexis Akre, who has been the buyer at the Courthouse/Arlington store for the last few years. I know that she will do an amazing job. You can look forward to hearing from her soon in this same space.
I'm off to spend my last two days in the most fitting way possible: getting books on the shelves at our new Crystal City location. We'll send out another e-blast when the store opens (any time now), and I can't wait for you all to come see it.
My best to all our wonderful customers. I hope to see you in the stores next time I visit, as a customer myself, after all these years.
Best Wishes and Happy Holidays,
Joe Murphy
Head Book Buyer
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