Schuler Books & Music
| Company type | Independent |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bookselling, Retail |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | Bill Fehsenfeld, Cecile Fehsenfeld |
| Headquarters | Grand Rapids , United States |
Area served | Michigan |
| Products | New and used books, gifts, magazines, print-on-demand books, café services |
Schuler Books operates as an independent bookselling business with four outlets situated throughout Michigan. Each location provides a selection of new and pre-owned books, gifts, magazines, print-on-demand options, event venues, and café services.
History
Established in 1982 by Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld, Schuler Books originated from a single shop on 28th Street in Grand Rapids. Bill brought experience from his previous role at Borders. Initially, the store concentrated on selling new books and newspapers but expanded in 1995 to a larger space that introduced The Chapbook Café along with an extended inventory including music.
The company made its first move into the Lansing region in 1990 by opening a store in Okemos, which was later relocated to Meridian Mall in 2001. Another Lansing-area outlet launched at Eastwood Towne Center in 2002 but ceased operations in 2018 following a rent disagreement; approximately 6,000 used books from this closure were donated to the East Lansing Public Library.
A second location near Grand Rapids was established in Walker in 2003 but was closed by 2014. Additionally, a downtown Grand Rapids store opened in 2007 and shut down in 2013.
In 2009, Schuler incorporated an Espresso Book Machine to provide print-on-demand book services, thereby broadening its offerings.
The acquisition of Nicola's Books in Ann Arbor occurred in 2014, with the original branding preserved until July 2022 when it was rebranded as Schuler. This site expanded into an adjoining retail space, with completion targeted for December 2022.
In August 2022, Schuler declared plans to enter the Metro Detroit market by establishing a new store in West Bloomfield Township, which officially opened its doors in May 2023.
Locations
Current
- 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan – established 1995
- Meridian Mall, 1982 W Grand River Ave., Okemos, Michigan – relocated here in 2001
- 2509 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan – acquired Nicola's Books in 2014; rebranded to Schuler in 2022
- 7260 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, Michigan – launched May 2023
Former
- 2975 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan – operated from 1982 until 1995
- 4800 Okemos Rd., Okemos, Michigan – served customers between 1990 and 2001
- Eastwood Towne Center, 2820 Centre Blvd., Lansing, Michigan – active from 2002 to 2018
- 3165 Alpine Ave. NW, Walker, Michigan – open from 2003 through 2014
- 40 Fountain St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan – functioned between 2007 and 2013