Schuler Books is an independent bookseller with four locations across the U.S. state of Michigan. Along with new and used books, Schuler stores feature an extensive gift section, magazines, print on demand services, event spaces, and a café.

History

Schuler was founded in 1982 by Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld. The two had met working at an Ann Arbor bookstore; Bill later worked for Borders, before the pair opened their first store on 28th Street in Grand Rapids. The original store predominantly sold new books and newspapers, but did not have a café, though the store served espresso drinks via a kiosk cart. A much larger store opened in 1995 a few blocks west of the original location, with The Chapbook Café and expanded offerings with music among other items. Schuler expanded to the Lansing area in 1990 with a store in Okemos. In 2001, it moved to the Meridian Mall. A second Lansing location opened at Eastwood Towne Center in 2002, and closed on February 3, 2018, allegedly following a rent dispute. 6,000 used books from the Eastwood store's inventory were donated to the Friends of the East Lansing Public Library following its closure. A second Grand Rapids-area location opened in Walker in 2003, and closed in 2014. In 2007, Schuler opened a location in downtown Grand Rapids, in part of the former Steketee's department store. This store closed in 2013. Schuler acquired an Espresso Book Machine in 2009, and began offering print on demand books. In 2014, Schuler acquired Ann Arbor bookstore Nicola's Books. The store retained its original name until July 2022, when it was rebranded as Schuler. Schuler acquired a neighboring storefront for an expansion of the store, with plans to complete the expansion by December 2022. In August 2022, Schuler announced an expansion into the Detroit market, with plans for a store in West Bloomfield. The store opened in May 2023.

Locations

Current Former