Marcus Williams is behind the only Black-owned bookstore in Clayton County, GA, per a report.
According to The Atlanta Voice, Williams is the founder of Nubian Books, which had previously been located near a Barnes & Noble until the franchise closed its doors in May 2024. As a result, more locals made their way to Nubian Books.
“Business-wise it’s been good for me,” Williams told the outlet. “It kind of helped me corner the market.”
What’s more, the increase in foot traffic has also led to more sales.
“I’ve had a lot of customers who are trying to find that Barnes and Noble on Mount Zion Road, so they’ve been coming to me and ordering books from me. So I’ve seen a spike in sales,” he mentioned to Atlanta News First.
Nubian Books has been a fixture in the community for at least 25 years, opening first inside Southlake Mall in Morrow, GA, and later relocating to Southlake Parkway in 2013. For Williams, owning a bookstore became a dream of his after securing a job at Medu Bookstore, “Atlanta’s Oldest African American Owned Bookstore,” while attending school at Morehouse College, per The Atlanta Voice. He initially studied business marketing but pivoted his career trajectory to own a bookstore instead.
“I really enjoyed working at the bookstore,” Williams told the outlet. “The hands-on experience at Medu gave me all the experience I needed.”
Williams left Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and with financial support from family members he was able to open the bookstore in Morrow. He has continued to live out his dream ever since.
“Being in full control of the success of your business has been the best part,” he mentioned. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without consistency and working hard every day.”
Looking ahead, the shop owner plans to remain in the area and serve the community.
“Unless I hit the lottery then I’ll go somewhere, but other than that I’m going to be here for a long time,” Williams said, per Atlanta News First.
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