The 9 Bookstore Personalities You’ll Meet at Indigo.
Here are the 9 reader types you’ll spot wandering through Indigo, from the hyper-prepared shopper to the infamous page sniffer. This humorous guide to Indigo bookstore personalities showcases the quirky, relatable habits that every Canadian book lover will recognize.
A busy Saturday at my favourite Canadian bookstore, Indigo, inspired this blog—mostly because I couldn’t stop people watching long enough to actually buy what I came for.
If you’ve never observed bookstore shoppers, you’re missing out on solid entertainment.
You will spot at least a few of these personalities… unless you are one of them
(You are definitely one of them).
The Prepared Reader
In. Out. Gone.
This person has a handwritten list, three backup lists, and a spreadsheet at home. They walk with the confidence of someone who preordered the book months ago and is simply here to claim their prize.
Not even a glance at the candle section.
Honestly, the military should study them.
The Librarian
This person is not an employee, but they behave like one.
They’re straightening shelves, alphabetizing the romance section, and giving judgment to anyone who puts a book down anywhere it doesn’t belong.
One loud laugh and they rise up behind you like they were hiding inside the bookshelf the whole time... "SHHHH!"
The Book Reviewer
They have read everything. Like… everything.
You’ll be reaching for a book when suddenly they appear... "You’ll question it for 300 pages, but then the final twist punches you right in the soul!"
Then they vanish into thin air before you can ask who they are or how they know so much.
The Spine Sniffer
Yes. This person picks a book based on its smell.
They fan the pages, inhale deeply, and decide if it has good energy.
You know what? Whatever works - follow that scent like a raccoon on garbage night.
The Genre Nomad
Starts in fantasy... drifts into cookbooks... somehow ends up in home renovations.
Leaves with a carpentry book and a single bookmark.
They came for a break from the house and left with instructions on how to build a shelf.
We don’t ask questions. We accept you.
The “I’m Not Buying Anything” Liar
Says they’re just browsing.
Leaves with six books, a tote bag, a candle, and a brand new identity.
She’s thriving. She’s glowing. She has no self-control, and we salute her!
The Cover Judger
They don’t care if the book has won awards or changed lives.
If the cover doesn’t seduce their soul, bye bye.
“It gives weird vibes,” returning it to the shelf like it offended their ancestors, ancestors.
The Eavesdropping Enthusiast
Floats around pretending to browse but is absolutely listening in on your book discussion in wait.
When you say, I’m looking for something good, they will emerge like a helpful book wizard...
“Sorry, I wasn't listening! but read THIS. It changed my life.”
They often carry valuable book information... from my personal experience as the eavesdropper.
The Lost Soul
This poor creature wanders the aisles with the expression of someone who forgot why they walked into a room.
They came for 'a book' but what book? Who knows. Not them!
They touch every cover. Read every blurb. Whisper “hmmm..” fifty times.
So… Which One Are You?
Personally? I am all of them depending on the day.
And if the store had more cozy reading corners, I would never leave.
(They know this. That’s why they don’t give us couches... or blankets).
Until next time,
Sheila
