Arizona’s leading independent bookstore reinvents itself

Changing Hands is Arizona’s leading independent bookstore, offering new and used books, unique gifts, toys, and more than 300 author events every year. In Tempe since 1974, Changing Hands opened a second location in 2014 in Central Phoenix, home to an innovative adaptive reuse project that re-purposed the iconic Beef Eaters restaurant. The pandemic shut them down and like many small businesses, they suffered tremendous loss and had to re-invent themselves. They offered curbside service as well as curated gift boxes you could send to friends and family that include a book selection and also a unique gift tailored to the recipient. They also have done virtual writing classes and seminars. We talk to them about their reopening and moving forward.