Hilton Head Mom-Daughter Team Launches Bookstore Passionate About Reading

A New Chapter for Book Lovers on Hilton Head Island

In an age where digital books and online shopping dominate, it might seem surprising that a traditional brick-and-mortar bookstore is set to open on Hilton Head Island. But for mother-daughter business partners Emily and Rachel Baker, this is more than just a venture—it’s a passion project aimed at bringing the joy of physical books back into the community.

Emry’s Bookshop is scheduled to open in The Port Royal Plaza in August 2025. Located on the north end of the plaza, near the airport and close to the Planet Fitness gym, the store is positioned to become a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Meet the Owners

Emily, 25, moved to Bluffton for a job at Book Warehouse in the Tanger Outlets, while Rachel, 45, was drawn to the Lowcountry as a place she always envisioned retiring. Despite their different life paths, the two share a deep bond, both as mother and daughter and as business partners.

Their relationship has been built on mutual respect and support. They’ve learned to separate their professional roles from their personal lives, which they say makes working together easier. “Even if we have our disagreements, we know we have each other no matter what,” Emily said. She described the experience of opening a store with her mother as one of the most rewarding parts of their journey.

The Inspiration Behind the Bookstore

The idea for Emry’s Bookshop came from a simple observation: there was a need for a local bookstore in the area. Emily noticed this gap and shared her thoughts with Rachel, who supported the vision from the start. “We both love books. My mom raised me with a huge library in the house,” Emily explained.

Rachel also saw the impact of the closure of Book Warehouse, which had been a popular spot for book lovers. She noticed how many people came in just to talk about the books and felt a sense of loss when the store closed. This moment became the catalyst for Emry’s Bookshop, a space where people could gather, read, and connect.

Creating a Comfortable Space

The interior of the store will be designed to feel cozy and welcoming, with a vintage library vibe. The goal is to create a space where customers can relax and spend time, whether they’re browsing books or simply enjoying the atmosphere.

The store aims to serve a diverse audience, from tourists to retirees and young professionals living in the area. By curating a selection that appeals to various interests, the Bakers hope to build a community around the bookstore.

The Concept of ‘Third Spaces’

Emily was inspired by the concept of “third spaces”—places other than home or work where people can socialize and connect. She noted that younger generations often lack such spaces, especially in areas where options are limited to restaurants, bars, or the beach.

Emry’s Bookshop is intended to fill that gap, offering a place for people to hang out, study, or work remotely. The store plans to start with a simple coffee bar and may expand in the future to include more amenities.

A Name Rooted in Family

The name “Emry” comes from the first letters of Rachel’s children, Emily and Ryan. The store’s logo features butterfly wings on either side of the books, a design created by Emily herself. This personal touch reflects the family-oriented nature of the business.

Favorite Books and Authors

Rachel’s favorite genre is thriller and horror, with Dean Koontz being a top choice. Her favorite book is “Lost Boys” by Orson Scott Card. Emily, on the other hand, enjoys psychological thrillers and horror, with “Afterworlds” by Scott Westerfeld being one of her favorites.

Looking Ahead

Emry’s Bookshop is set to open in mid-August, and the Bakers plan to keep their followers updated through their Facebook and Instagram pages. Their vision goes beyond selling books—they want to create a space where people feel like family.

“We care about more than just you buying books,” Rachel said. “We want to know how your life is going and stay connected with you.” This commitment to building relationships is at the heart of what Emry’s Bookshop represents.