As a used-book devotee, one of my pet peeves is those shops which put no effort into their display space. I’ve been to a ton of used book stores which seem more like warehouses than actual shops, with rows upon rows of books piled high absent any rhyme or reason. And yes, I do realize that these small businesses have to make their profit by selling books in volume, but it’s still a turn-off when you have to invest a couple hours wandering through the stacks without any clue as to what you might find around each corner. And while I also realize that life is about the journey, not the destination, I’ve not a patient man.
That’s probably the main reason why I appreciate Mister K’s Used Books so much. This shop takes a no-nonsense approach to retail, with well-organized, clearly marked sections and aisles wide enough to promote leisurely browsing. This small regional chain is the Barnes and Noble of used book stores, if that can be said without coming across as an insult. The store’s huge selection is also a great selling point since there’s literally something for everyone here, even vinyl records for the college kids who for some reason think that’s cool. The only thing that’s missing is a cafe… but in all fairness, there’s a Starbucks right across the parking lot so it’s not asking too much for the customer to walk a hundred feet.
The next time you’re passing through North Charleston, be sure to stop in to Mister K’s and see what you’ve been missing. I’ll be looking forward to visiting their other store locations as well.
Mr. K’s Used Books, 5070 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC, 29418.