In an era when national retailers and online sellers dominate book sales, independent bookselling is king at Bay Ridge’s The Bookmark Shoppe. The Third Avenue bookstore has built its reputation not through trends or gimmicks, but through a straightforward focus on books, service and long-standing relationships with local customers.

“This is Christine’s baby,” staffer Erin Ruggieri said, referring to owner Christine Freglette. “Her dream in life was to open a store where she could sell people her favorite books. And I think she’s achieved that.”

Freglette, raised in South Brooklyn, has spent her entire life in the retail industry. As Ruggeri put it, she has worked “back when people had jobs when they were 11 and 12 years old.” The Bookmark Shoppe first opened in 2000 on 11th Avenue. L

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