In the News

We were featured in the Fargo Forum, 23 October 2009 New Business section.

How exciting to see us in print!!!

Should the link become outdated or you need to sign in and don't wish to create an account, here is the article and pic.

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Books at a Fifth enjoys success amid downturn in economy
April Farver and Aaron Guderjahn knew they wanted to start a small business together.
By: Jon Knutson, INFORUM

April Farver and Aaron Guderjahn knew they wanted to start a small business together.

The question was, what kind of business should it be?

“Well, I like organizing. I like keeping things tidy. And I like to read. So a used bookstore just made sense,” Farver said.

Books at a Fifth opened in April. As the name implies, books are sold for one-fifth of the publisher’s price.

The store also trades books with customers.

Farver and Guderjahn said they like their location in Village West, which includes Hornbacher’s Foods.

“Hornbacher’s is a great anchor. People keep shopping and coming back there, and they’re potential customers for us,” Farver said.

Angie Diehl, who recently came in to the bookstore with books to trade, said she likes the store.

“I’m glad it’s here,” said Diehl, who learned about the store from a relative who bought books there.

Books at a Fifth occupies 500 square feet in Village West.

“This is a good size for us,” Guderjahn said. “If we had more space, the cost (of renting) would be higher.”

History books are popular with customers. Science fiction/fantasy, mystery and romance also are strong.

The weak economy is helping Books at a Fifth because consumers are looking for good deals, Farver said.

“You spend $30 or $50 here, and can leave with a box of books, she said.

She and Guderjahn aren’t interested in moving to a bigger location, even though business is strong.

But they say they might consider opening a second location, possibly in Moorhead.

“We’re off to a good start. We’re happy with the way things are going,” Farver said.

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Books at a Fifth

* Location: 4101 13th Ave. S., Fargo

* Hours: Hours: 10 am - 6 pm Monday through Saturday

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Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530

Pricing

Our books are priced at one-fifth of the publisher's price. A paperback that sells at Barnes & Noble for $7.99 would be only $1.60 at Books at a Fifth.

Also, we have a large selection of $.50 paperbacks to choose from as well.

Our books are organized by category and alphabetized by author's last name.

Trade Policy

At Books at a Fifth we trade books 2 for 1 based on the value of the book. For example, if we price the book at $4, you receive $2 in store credit that you can use towards your purchase.

We are looking for interesting books in good condition: clean and unmarked, and the hard covers should have their dust jackets.

Trade does not have to be used the same day you bring in books. We will set up a trade credit file in your name and you can pick out books at any time.

You do not need to schedule an appointment to bring in books, but if you have a vast quantity of them, it is easier if you bring them in Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Most books sell for 80% off the publisher's price- which is 1/5th the cover price, hence the name.

A hard cover that sells for $24.99 at Barnes and Noble will sell for $5 in our shop. You can receive $2.50 in trade (that can be used any time) provided it is in good condition and a book we wish to add to our collection.

Paperbacks in good condition will also sell for 1/5th their cover price. A paperback that sells for $7.99 at B&N will be sold for $1.60 and you can receive half that in trade.

A look around

Opening Inventory April 13th



One month later, May 18th


Wish you were here! :D