“If you can’t find a card there,
you won’t find one anywhere!”

Business is always bustling at Browseabout Books in popular Rehoboth Beach, DE. When the town’s population swells to 25,000 each summer, on any given day GM Susan McAnelly and her 40 staffers ring up thousands of customers in the 15,000 sq. ft. store.

Rehoboth Beach is two hours from Washington D.C., as well as Baltimore and Philly. Urban vacationers have been trekking to Browseabout Books since Steve and Barbara Crane opened their store in 1974.

“They’re in search of unique books, toys, cards and gifts that they can’t find in the city,” Susan says, and, according to Rep Darla Markley, “If you can’t find a card there, you won’t find one anywhere!”

That said, “Gay cards have always been hard to get,” Manager Noemy Tudos says. “It’s almost like pulling teeth!” Rehoboth Beach is a well-known gay vacation destination, and Noemy says the Passages gay wedding designs immediately became an important part of Browseabout Books’ mix. “Passages in general have proven really versatile and meet important needs. Especially when customers aren’t sure what they’re looking for … I send them to Cardthartic!”

What makes Browseabout Books so special?

VARIETY

The store constantly changes its merchandising through regular rotation, so the look and feel is always fresh and the merchandise sparkles. The Cranes rely on Darla and other manufacturers’ Reps they respect to tell them, “what’s new?” in the industry, ensuring the selection is always on-trend.

COLLABORATION

The Cranes work hard to build a culture of partnership with staff and Reps. Loyal managers are trusted to make smart business decisions.

CUSTOMERS FIRST

“Special touches” keep both seasonal and year-round guests coming back. The store hosts community-based book clubs and author signings during colder months, and kids clubs for summer vacationers. Even four-legged friends are on the Browseabout Books’ customer care radar … fresh water can always be found in the dog bowls by the front door.