8-16-12 Giving customers what they want

Anytime someone is courageous enough to start a new business, the hope is that something special is being offered that will create a growing set of satisfied customers who will spread the word.

Once the business is open, the next step is to stay tuned in to what people are buying and what they are requesting.

I've written before about Anchor Books & Coffee in Clinton (4-12-12 Building a community while you build a business).

This week, they are featured in my Blog and in the Whidbey Island Life Examiner.

Bruce and Trish Didier saw the need for a community meeting place, as well as an opportunity for a quality used bookstore, in Clinton.

Through paying attention to their customer’s interests, they have created a balance of espresso drinks, simple food choices – many from local Island businesses - quality used books, new books by local authors, consignment items from locals, and a comfortable, welcoming, friendly space where people can meet or simply enjoy a few moments to themselves.

Their business model has created a growing number of loyal book customers (“This is the nicest bookstore I’ve been in,” is a frequent comment), and coffee shop regulars, some from as far away as Coupeville.

Recently, Anchor Books & Coffee expanded from its original 2,000 square foot space, to 3,000 square feet, including a small conference room that is already in high demand.

Customer traffic into this space that is just a short distance up the road from the Clinton Ferry Terminal keeps growing, thanks to a strong commitment to great customer service and response to customer desires (and it doesn’t hurt that Trish makes terrific cinnamon pull-aparts).