News Summary
A new local bookstore, Emry’s Bookshop, will open in August 2025 on Hilton Head Island. Co-owned by Emily and Rachel Baker, the store aims to foster community engagement while providing a cozy literary space. The shop will focus on offering a tailored selection of books, spotlighting local authors, and serving as a gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. With a vintage library ambiance and plans for a coffee bar, Emry’s Bookshop aspires to become a community staple and rekindle the love for reading.
Hilton Head Island, SC – A new local bookstore, Emry’s Bookshop, is set to open in August 2025, as mother and daughter business partners, Emily and Rachel Baker, turn their vision into reality. Situated in The Port Royal Plaza on the north end of Hilton Head Island, just south of the airport and near the Planet Fitness gym, Emry’s Bookshop aims to fill the void left by the closure of Book Warehouse, which left the community yearning for a local literary hub.
The Bakers, who have established a close working relationship, have identified the need for a cozy community space where readers can gather. Their collaboration stems from Emily’s move to Bluffton for a position at Book Warehouse and Rachel’s aspiration to become ingrained in the local Lowcountry culture. Their shared passion for books and commitment to serving the community are central to their business model.
Emry’s Bookshop is designed to cater to a variety of demographics, including tourists, retirees, and local residents. The shop will feature dedicated space for local authors and aim to curate a selection of books tailored to customer preferences. The interior of the store is intended to evoke a vintage library feel, creating a warm and inviting environment for patrons to relax and connect.
The concept of Emry’s Bookshop is influenced by the idea of “third spaces,” environments outside of home or work where social interactions and community engagement can flourish. Emily has expressed the desire for a venue where younger community members can meet and socialize, complementing existing options like restaurants and bars. To enhance the experience, there are preliminary plans for a simple coffee bar to be available when the store opens, with further expansion possibilities in the future.
The name “Emry” derives from a blend of Emily and Ryan, the names of Rachel’s children. The store’s logo, which features butterfly wings flanking an open book, was designed by Emily to symbolize transformation and growth through reading.
In terms of literary preferences, Rachel enjoys thrillers and horror, particularly works by Dean Koontz, while Emily gravitates toward psychological thrillers and horror, having fond memories of “Afterworlds” by Scott Westerfeld. This shared love for reading will help inform the store’s inventory as they strive to create a space reflective of both their interests and those of the community.
The Bakers are committed to building connections with their customers, ensuring that Emry’s Bookshop is not just a place to buy books, but also a welcoming environment. They aim to foster a sense of family within the community, taking care to know their customers and support them beyond mere sales transactions.
As the opening date approaches, the Bakers are enthusiastic about keeping the community updated through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. With the anticipated launch in mid-August 2025, Emry’s Bookshop aims to become a cherished staple on Hilton Head Island, enriching the local culture and rekindling the community’s love for reading.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: New Local Bookstore Set to Open in Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Bookstore
- Count On 2: Support Your Local Bookstores
- Google Search: Local Bookstores
- Island Packet: Community News
- Google Scholar: Community Bookstores
- Salon: Joy in Cookbook Sections of Bookstores
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culture of Reading
- Island Packet: Local Business Updates
- Google News: Local Business News
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
