Snuggled inside the Port Orchard Public Market lies Salmonberry Books—a small independent bookstore that has not only survived but thrived despite the closures of neighboring businesses.
Owner Lizzy Rolando has weathered the storm, remaining a beacon of community and culture even as the market’s environment shifts.
Then the Dock Bar and Eatery shut its doors Aug. 31, and with Sue’s Fresh Juice Bar and Sandwich Shop preparing to close in October, the market’s once vibrant pulse slowed. Rolando noticed an immediate impact, stating, “It’s undeniable the vibe is different, especially with the Dock’s dining room being such an essential part of the market. It feels like there’s a lot less life here now, and it’s worrying that people might think we’ve closed too.”
Yet, despite the quieter foot traffic, “Fall has always been a good season for us, and we’ve been fortunate to be here for two years, building relationships with customers who genuinely love reading. We know this is temporary, and we’re hanging in there, knowing that it’ll be back to its lively self soon.”
Rolando has taken steps to keep Salmonberry Books thriving. “We’ve been working hard to find new tenants for the market and helping to advertise available spaces,” she said. Additionally, they’ve been sprucing up the store and the market to make it more appealing to potential tenants. “It’s all about staying focused on being the best bookstore we can be.”
Port Orchard has rallied around Salmonberry Books. Rolando said: “The Port Orchard Waterfront Community Association has been checking in, and customers often drop by just to see how we’re doing. Even a simple ‘hi’ can mean the world when times are tough.”
Salmonberry Books hosts monthly book club meetings and participates in semi-regular book swaps at the Holy Water A Heavenly Lounge, located inside an old purple church off Dekalb Street, where patrons can exchange books over a drink. The upcoming downtown programming, such as the Halloween scarecrow contest starting Oct. 16 and the Boo Bash on Oct. 26, are opportunities for more foot traffic.
Rolando is a strong believer in small businesses. “Small businesses define the character of Port Orchard,” she said “When family comes to visit, you don’t take them to Target; you bring them to local gems like Josephine’s or Damn Good Pizza. Amazon isn’t going to host trick-or-treating downtown for your kids. That’s what makes our community unique.”
Rolando said the best way to support small businesses is by shopping at them. “The reality is, we need sales to survive. If you love a business, try to shop or eat with them, because there’s no guarantee they’ll still be here tomorrow.”
She encourages locals to engage with the downtown community, such as by attending Josephine’s Mercantile’s coffee and conversation events with City Council the first Saturday of each month. “I’m a strong believer that Port Orchard is unique and magical with its huge view of the water,” Rolando said with a smile. “Nothing encourages others to come like seeing people enjoying downtown.”
Rolando said she will miss the two businesses that closed. “We’ve been neighbors for two years, and I’m sad to see them go. But this also creates a space for new businesses to take a chance.”
