Several customers have asked when we are going to open our storefront in Covington, Ky. Here is the schedule for 2016.
Starting March 12, the shop at 837 Willard St. will be open for visitors and customers on every second Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We’ll carry all of our titles there, plus whatever else we might have lying around that’s odd or special.
We may or may not carry apparel. Right now all our shirts, hats and sweatshirts are being made on demand. But we might do a special small run of garments for the store. Stay tuned.
You are probably thinking: Are they nuts? Open on only one day of the month?
Yup. We don’t have employees, John lives 100 miles away and I can’t play “store” while building furniture, editing, writing, blogging, designing and dog knows what else. So if you are planning a drive through the area, here’s the schedule for 2016 if you’d like to stop by to talk, tour the shop or pick up some books.
March 12 (this is in conjunction with the Lie-Nielsen Hand Tool Event down the street at Braxton brewing)
April 9
May 14
June 11
July 9
August 13
September 10
October 8
November 12
December 10
We likely will have a book-release party or two this year as well. Details to follow.
As you can see from the photo above, we still have a long way to go to make the place presentable. The plaster work is complete – both front rooms have been completely re-plastered to look as they would have in 1890. We’re installing new windows on the 9th Street side of the building that were bricked over (the city was happy to approve this restoration). This will bring some southern light into the shop area. And we’re removing the bars from the windows so we can escape in case of a fire.
Today I am headed down to start repair on the subfloor – the solid white-oak flooring arrives on Jan. 14. A section of the subfloor by the bar is rotted from an old sink leak. I also need to remove 1,239 staples from the existing subfloor, so I’m surprising Lucy today with an anniversary present of kneepads and fencing pliers.
I do know how to romance the ladies.
— Christopher Schwarz
I open my studio to visitors 2-3 days per month. It’s really helped my ‘Point of Purchase’ stats. Great article and best wishes.
Awesome, best of everything! I have pulled carpet padding staples out of oak hardwood flooring a few times… it is a job not devoutly to be wished, on anyone. Hope your marriage survives 🙂
I know you have a tour planned for the LN Tool Event in March, but have you considered doing something similar during WIA in September? Even though you will (I assume) have a WIA booth, that weekend may be the only chance a lot of people have to get to the area and may want to see the new facilities.
We might. But we really don’t have the staff for both a booth and a store. So that’s a “maybe” at best.
Haul the bar back in and host an after hours party. Woodworkers are really into disco!
You do.
“I’m surprising Lucy today with an anniversary present of kneepads and fencing pliers.” Probably tops my gift of the windshield wipers I gave my wife one year…
Knipex pliers?
They are the BEST!!!
What’s your source for solid oak flooring? Im looking to replace carpet and linoleum with real wood!
The guy who is installing it ordered it. I’m letting the pros handle that part….
Sounds like a nice time. I plan on attending the LN event so I’ll take a stroll down and check the new digs.
I m glad you guys are young and strong, looks like a great place to be in .I wish you all the very best for 2016.
We feel neither. But thanks!
There ARE people within driving range (Winchester KY) willing to come lend a hand..
Are you keeping the circa 2007 Menards ceiling fans? It would be cool if you found a pressed tin up there.
No. But I have sell a spleen before I buy anything else. People have two, right?
Isn’t there a bar in Covington that has belt-driven antique fans? Oh baby! Your place will be outstanding. What an amazing difference already
Great news! I hope I’m sent nearby on a business trip so I can stop by and pick up some goodies.
I suggest a race to the finish with Miss Megan’s new home remodeling project, memorialized in pictures of both, on your blog!
Have you considered selling stickers? They cost less to stock and one size fits all. And it gives us something to put on the inside of our Dutch tool chests.
Anarchist Tool Chest logo and the bandito graphic would both be at the top of my list.
I think you maybe need a bit of a library here in addition to your bookstore.