It’s been a crucial part of Old Town Plaza for more than four decades. Now, an Albuquerque bookstore has been named one of the best in the world.
From where to go hiking to what ghost towns to avoid, Jim Hoffsis can tell you all about it.
“I’ve learned a long time ago if you’re going to be in the selling business you should know more about that product than that person,” Jim Hoffsis said.
The 90-year-old and his son, John, own Treasure House Books and Gifts in Old Town.
Before a book is even put out for sale, “We read all our books. We know the books,” John Hoffsis said.
The book store first opened in 1974 as a jewelry and gift shop. For the past 20 years, the family business has focused on selling books about New Mexico and the southwest.
“We primarily carry local authors on top of that,” John Hoffsis said.
The specialty bookstore was recently named one of the world’s best independent book stores by travel website Atlas Obscura.
“I don’t know how many people they talked to but all I got to say is I was certainly surprised,” Jim Hoffsis said.
The website polled its readers to create the list of 62 bookstores. One person called the store a distinctive part of the Old Town Plaza. They also noted the kind way the owners treat each customer.
“You deal with the customer one-on-one that you will get as loyal following and you’ll get people to come back,” John Hoffsis said.
They admit, in the digital age keeping a bookstore open is a challenge, but faithful customers and tourists have allowed them to thrive.
“Fewer people are reading books, however we find if you’re a book reader your going to stay a book reader,” John Hoffsis said.
The list featured 62 bookstores around the world, Treasure House was the only New Mexico bookstore featured.
To view the full list, click here.
