Romance bookstore opens Saturday

Page Burners, Philadelphia's third romance-only bookstore, launches at 2036 Sansom St. in Center City on Saturday in partnership with coffee shop Mad Cat Brewtique.

Owner found inspiration on election night

Annie LeCluyse got the idea to open a bookstore two years ago while watching the Hallmark Channel instead of election coverage, seeking to create a safe community space.

“Because I come from the social work field, I knew we were gonna need connection, community and just a safe space over the next handful of years.”

Previously operated as pop-up shop

Page Burners sold books from pink shelves at Mad Cat's old location and the Little Treat boutique before securing its first permanent storefront.

Mad Cat owner suggested partnership

When Mad Cat Brewtique decided to move to a larger space, owner Cassidy Fairey immediately thought of LeCluyse as a partner, and LeCluyse instantly agreed.

Center City needed a romance bookstore

While romance-only bookstores exist in Manayunk, Fairmount, and Collingswood, New Jersey, LeCluyse believed Center City was underserved and could support one.

Hybrid layout spans two floors

The street level features a local artisan and coffee shop, while Page Burners occupies the basement with dedicated shelves for local authors, new releases, and multiple romance subgenres.

Flame bookmarks rate spice levels

Each novel has an orange bookmark with one to five flames indicating sexual content intensity, helping customers find books matching their comfort level without surprises.

LeCluyse uses romance.io for ratings

She relies on the user-aggregated site romance.io to determine flame designations, ensuring customers get accurate information about book content before purchasing.

Plans community events and gatherings

LeCluyse will host book clubs, trivia nights, and crafting gatherings to build community beyond just selling books.

Symbiotic business relationship planned

Both owners hope customers will browse both shops, with signage directing people between the coffee shop and bookstore to drive traffic to each business.

Smaller businesses benefit from partnerships

Fairey noted that shared brick-and-mortar spaces help drive business to both shops while reducing costs, a growing trend among small business owners.

“I think that there is always going to be a trend of smaller businesses partnering together under one brick-and-mortar.”

Store hours start this Saturday

Page Burners opens Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.