Frugal Bookstore — Attraction in Boston

Editing to add that I just called and spoke with a woman (I believe her name was Nina maybe) and she was able to resolve the issue. Apparently the book is out of print so I was able to exchange it for another book. My lesson learned is to call instead of sending emails once the first email goes un responded to :) I will purchase more books from Frugal in the future since I think this was just a small oversight.

I wanted to like Frugal but I have still not received my book that I ordered back in June 2020. Initially I was understanding that they had received an influx of orders and were processing as quickly as possible. I sent my first email asking for an update in August, and they quickly responded that orders would be fulfilled in the next two weeks. Come October, still never received my book so I email again and now my book is back-ordered. I emailed a month later in November, again in December and recently on January 5th and they have not responded at all. At this point I don't even want the book, but to not respond regarding an order that was placed 8 months ago is...

I visited this tidy bookstore that was a gem hidden in plain site. Frugal is larger than your typical boutique storefront or independent bookstore. It's shelves are nearly lined with a carefully curated collection featuring African-American, Latinx and female authors alongside others in the African diaspora and popular titles as well. There is also a collection of Melissa & Doug toys, beautifully representative cards, bookmarks and other gifts.

I typically struggle to find things in a bookstore, but felt this store quite searchable. Both the owner and cashier greets me warmly and were searched for any book I was seeking to see if it was in the store or could be ordered. I ended up purchasing three books that were in the shop and two additional titles that had to be ordered. They will call when my books arrive. Overall, very pleased with the location, warmth, free 2-hour street parking and my whole visit. Looking forward to making this my go...

Had a great experience visiting a few weeks ago and talking with the owner. They had a great selection of books - especially by black authors. They had my order ready to go and I ended up getting a few additional books as well. You can order online and they can ship to your door, but I really recommend making the trip to see the store! There is public metered parking on the street and in a lot across the street as well as the MBTA.

As the only black owned bookstore in Boston they have received a ton of orders in the last few months (which is great!) but they are a small business not used to that many orders and they can’t control how fast these books are printed and shipped to them. My books were back ordered and I had to wait a little longer than I anticipated but they communicated with me regularly along the way and it was absolutely worth it to support a local black...