Greenlight Bookstore
| Company type | Independent bookstore |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (Books) |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Rebecca Fitting, Jessica Stockton-Bagnulo |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn , United States |
Area served | Brooklyn, New York |
| Products | Books |
Greenlight Bookstore is an independent bookseller situated on Fulton Street in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn. Founded in 2009 by Rebecca Fitting and Jessica Stockton-Bagnulo, the store offers a diverse selection of literature across multiple genres, organizes author events, and collaborates with the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The bookstore previously operated a second branch in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, which ceased operations in May 2023 due to financial challenges.
History
The original Greenlight Bookstore was launched by co-owners Fitting and Stockton-Bagnulo in Fort Greene back in 2009, supported partly through a community lending initiative.[1][2] By August 2011, the business expanded by establishing two kiosks within the Brooklyn Academy of Music, retailing books alongside academy merchandise.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In 2015, a small pop-up shop was introduced at Play Kids in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, followed the next year by a full second location on Flatbush Avenue in Prospect Lefferts Gardens.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Greenlight temporarily shuttered its physical store and shifted to selling its inventory online, resulting in a 500% surge in e-commerce sales during 2020.[2] Additionally, the bookstore adapted by hosting book clubs and other gatherings via Zoom.[3] Despite these efforts, approximately 75% of staff were laid off. Stockton-Bagnulo reported to Brooklyner that profits declined by 43% as of June 2020 but rebounded over the holiday season, ultimately resulting in only a 14% decrease in annual revenue.[2]
In 2020, issues concerning anti-Black racism were raised against Greenlight Bookstore, including allegations of racial profiling directed at Black patrons and disrespect toward Black employees. The bookstore was also critiqued for its contribution to the gentrification of Fort Greene and Prospect Lefferts Garden. In response, Fitting and Stockton-Bagnulo issued a public apology and pledged to reform company policies and enhance operational practices.[1]
In 2021, Rebecca Fitting sold her ownership stake to Stockton-Bagnulo and stepped away from daily operations, citing the challenges of balancing parenthood with running the business during the pandemic.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In early 2023, Stockton-Bagnulo communicated via e-mail that the Prospect Lefferts Garden storefront would close on May 14 due to ongoing financial strain linked to the pandemic.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Events
Each year, Greenlight Bookstore organizes a Where's Waldo? scavenger hunt throughout the neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Flatbush. Participants begin by obtaining a stamp card from the bookstore, then visit more than 40 local partner establishments to collect stamps. This event was paused for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the bookstore transitioned to online services. The Where's Waldo? hunt recommenced in July 2022.
Previous notable guests have included authors and personalities such as Zadie Smith, Richard Dawkins, John Cleese, Elizabeth Gilbert, César Aira, and Jeffrey Eugenides. In addition to author events, the bookstore has hosted seasonal celebrations during holidays.
In 2023, Curbed featured an interview with Catherine Lacey coinciding with her book launch for Biography of X held at Greenlight Bookstore. Furthermore, for the release of The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami, Greenlight was selected as one of several bookstores across the United States to host a Murakami Midnight Party on November 18, 2024.