Friends to Lovers Bookstore

This bookstore is really cute with a great variety of romance books. I love the merch, stickers and accessories they have. It’s super cute and cozy in here. I will say the customer service isn’t the best and therefore I probably wouldn’t drive 40+ mins to come back here but it was cool to visit.

Made a trip down to visit Friends to Lovers, and although the store was cute, the customer service was not the best. The shop had a great variety of books and bookish items from stickers to clothing and everything in between. I loved looking through each area. There was also an author there signing books and some seats throughout the store to sit in. However, I wish the staff was more friendly and attentive. When we were ready to check out, the two staff members were chatting to each other and didn’t even acknowledge us waiting to buy our books at the counter. I placed the books down and greeted them politely, and the staff member directly behind the register didn’t greet us, continued their conversation with their coworker and just started scanning books without even looking at us or acknowledging us. It was the staff member to the side who then started friendly conversation, but again, the cashier didn’t really say much of anything besides our total and if we wanted a bag. Neither of the employees even mentioned the author who was there signing books, and there was no info (at least that we saw) in the store about the author, the book or signing event. I kind of felt bad for the author. Around the store, there were also little signs about books and what they were about, etc. Except, for a large number of them, there wasn’t any stock of the book it mentioned. I wish they would update them or remove them if the book sells out. There were a few where I loved the note and wanted to grab the book, but then it wasn’t on the shelf. I want to support small businesses and absolutely love romance books, but the customer service really needs improvement here. Sadly, this experience doesn’t make me want to come back.

I specifically went to this cute little bookstore because it was going to be a stop for PB Squamer from The Smashcast podcast on YouTube. He stopped in and talked to the Booktok folks that came to check out the store and meet him. The store was easy to locate. Parking wasn't bad which says a lot in Old Town Alexandria. It was laid out clearly and even had a small reading area. I found the books I was looking for easily and got a couple signed by PB. IYKYK. Had a lovely time checking this store out.

Small and friendly place! Books you will not find at traditional book stores, including greeting cards and stickers. We attended a meet the author event. Street parking (2 hours) and paid parking nearby. I love to support small businesses! 📚