SOUTHERN BYWAYS BOOKSTORE PROJECT: DAVIS-KIDD BOOKSELLERS, NASHVILLE

Davis-Kidd Booksellers – Nashville, TN

Address: Green Hills Mall, Suite 281, 2121 Green Hills Village Dr., Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: 615-385-2645
Owner: Neil Van Umm
Website: www.DavisKidd.com
Twitter: @Daviskiddbooks

What can I say? Davis-Kidd in Nashville is my hometown bookstore. I may have just moved to Chattanooga, but that doesn’t make a lick of difference.

In terms of the store’s history, I’m sure you’ve guessed that a “Davis” and a “Kidd” were actively involved. You guessed right. Back in 1980, Karen Davis and Thelma Kidd crossed paths and thought it would be fun to run a business together. They were ardent readers and wanted to create a bookstore that was comfortable, inclusive, and inviting. And, after twenty-five years, four relocations, seven expansions, millions of books, and countless author events Davis-Kidd Booksellers is still going strong, in a 36,000 square foot store at The Mall at Green Hills.

Their customers – me among them – agree that the store’s local interest section is by far the best in the area. It features various books on the state as well as books from local authors. In addition, Davis-Kidd has a wide array of backlist titles and of course new bestsellers, alongside more serious literary works. Southern favorites among their clientele include “Serena,” “Geronimo Rex,” “Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’ Easter,” (by my Nashville buddy Lisa Patton) and “South of Broad.”

One thing I have always admired about Davis-Kidd is that their booksellers really speak to Southern culture. They have several who are experts on Southern literature Southern art, Southern cooking etc.

In additon, the love their staff members have for each other and for books in general that really shines through to our customers. Because of them Davis-Kidd is really a happy place to be and to shop.

Posted October 14, 2010 at 9:47 am · 4 comments · Leave a Comment