Holly Bader might have been destined to open a bookstore.

The Port City native majored in philosophy at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and now she has an answer when someone asks her what she could do with a philosophy degree -- continue to read way too much, she joked.

Bader is the owner of Papercut Books, a new downtown Wilmington store with an expected opening at the end of March, in Unit 100 at 200 Market St.

“I was part of a family business [Bulk Power LLC] before this and we sold at the end of 2020 last year, so I was looking for something new to do,” Bader said Friday. “We happened upon the perfect spot in downtown Wilmington and just decided to go for it.”

Although the family business wasn’t a bookstore, Bader said working there taught her how to run a business.

And besides, books are a lifelong love. 

“I’ve been a huge reader my whole life,” Bader said.

At Papercut Books, the offerings will include jewelry and other gifts, including some toys and games. The store will also sell sets that pair books with gifts; for example, a beginner sewing guide comes with a vintage sewing kit box and more.

The store sells some used books (it has two-and-a-half shelves of vintage Agatha Christie novels) in addition to new ones.

Kenneth Fisher of RE/MAX Essential represented the landlord in the transaction. The project was developed by John Sutton and Gene Merritt.

Other tenants in the building include nightclub Coglin’s Wilmington on the second floor and Noonie Doodle Sweets & Treats on the first floor.
 
Bader said she felt Unit 100 at 200 Market St., on the corner of Market and Second streets, was the perfect place for her store “because it’s right in the middle of where everything starts basically downtown. We’re close to great stores and restaurants.”