Tidewater Books in Sackville, New Brunswick, is turning the departure of its long-time retail partner into a positive. As owners of the Crofter Gifts & Toys – which Tidewater has shared a combined space with for six years – retire and close the business, the bookseller will expand to take over the entire 2,000-square-foot storefront at 4 Bridge St.

“The owners of The Crofter also own the building, and put it on the market… After giving it some thought, my husband and I just decided to make an offer ourselves instead of moving the store again,” says Tidewater owner Ellen Pickle. “I really like this space, it’s got a really nice feel. We thought, ‘If we can invest in the store’s future, why not?’”

Pickle says the expansion – and her ability to purchase the building outright – reflects a “resurgence” of indie bookselling in Atlantic Canada. She’s noticed at least three new booksellers open in Nova Scotia in the past two years, with others looking to get into the industry. She says Tidewater’s location in a university town helps, too. “I think here we’ve seen the worst of it, or it certainly feels that way. It feels better. The market feels stronger,” she says. “And I have a built-in educated clientele that value books, a lot of people who want to keep a small bookstore in business here, so they support us.”

Pickle plans to grow the children’s book section and complement current offerings with artisan gift items, games and toys, crafts, linens, and other non-book merchandise sourced locally. “The Crofter was carrying some of those items and they did quite well. They’re a nice addition, and it makes you more of a destination. The books will always be my love, but the other stuff keeps the lights on and pay the bills,” she says.

Tidewater will secure the building and commence remerchandising next month, with a grand re-opening and 23rd anniversary party to come in September.