Behind the Trade Counter with Visual Merchandiser Athene
Have you noticed the quirky displays around the stores? One current favorite at Bookmans Grant is, “Have You RED Any Good Books Lately?” It includes books with covers done in the color red. Bookmans Grant also has a “Survivors” display with post-apocalyptic titles as well as how to books on self-sufficiency. Our stores would resemble the same ol’ stagnant big box stores imposing their corporate view if we didn’t have creative geniuses like Athene, visual merchandiser for Bookmans Grant.
Where did you grow up?
I spent my childhood in southern Germany and then moved to the U.S. in ninth grade.
Who was your childhood hero?
When I was a kid, I thought Jane Goodall was a rock star. I got to meet her at a book fair when I was nine!
How long have you been at Bookmans?
I’ve been with the company for a little over a year and half!
What’s your favorite Bookmans core value?
The environment! I want to set up a grey water reuse system in my home one day, along with other things, to decrease my carbon footprint.
What’s your favorite section of the store?
I enjoy perusing the SciFi section. B-)
What inspires you when doing a window display?
So far I’ve only done the Halloween window and that was pretty easy. Bookmans’ theme for November is “Shop Local, Give Local”, so I play around with that. You’ll just have to come and see!
Working at Bookmans, we learn a slew of skills. What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I’d like to be a photography professor when I “grow up”. Working in merchandising has helped to train my visual eye, and helping customers has made me a much more patient person. That might help with my ability to handle students later. 😉
What ONE book would you recommend to our customers?
I recently read Habibi by Craig Thompson. It is such a beautiful story and I don’t usually cry easily, but I did. It’s definitely been added to a list of favorites.
What’s a song that frequently gets stuck in your head?
It’s a tie between Kiss from a Rose by Seal and Careless Whisper by George Michael.
What’s your favorite movie?
The Fifth Element. Perfect story, perfect cast, perfect everything.
If you could have any super power what would it be?
I would like to teleport. As cliché as it sounds, I’d like to see more of the world. One of the reasons I don’t travel more is because of how expensive transportation can be.
When you aren’t at work, how do you spend your time?
I’m studying fine arts with a photography concentration. I like to spend as much time as I can in the dark room at school. Other than that, I like to hang out with my best friend and make art or hang out with my cats and read. I’m very exciting.
Trust us when we say, Athene is very exciting. Come to Bookmans Grant where Athene ensures there’s always something on display that makes Bookmans your store to explore.