The eclectic buy-and-sell bookstore formerly known as Chop Suey, Shelf Life Books, has been a Richmond favorite since its opening in 2002. When avid book lover Chris McDaniel and her husband Berkeley bought the store in October 2021, they decided to rebrand the iconic store while keeping its charm. This led to the newly renovated store, a fresh new take on a Richmond classic. McDaniel and her husband wanted to reinvent Chop Suey to be a place where everyone can be seen, heard and understood. This led to the name change to Shelf Life.
“We knew at the time we bought the store that we would want to rename and rebrand the store to align with these values, but we also wanted longtime customers to know they would still find much of what they loved in our space.” McDaniel said, “We also needed to learn the ropes of the business. So Shelf Life Books – the name – did not come until later, in spring, 2023.”
McDaniel also wanted the name change to separate the business from its past owners. With the notoriety of
Chop Suey, she wanted to make Shelf Life Books its own business while keeping the charm Chop Suey had.
“We have been successful at keeping the fun and funky vibe and the great selection of books that made it a staple, while immediately implementing our values and gradually phasing in the new name and brand.” McDaniel said. “In 2022, we thought we could have been just riding on the store’s history and reputation, But in 2023, with the name change, we felt like people were really voting for what we’ve done with it.”.
Richmonders gladly welcomed the change and embraced the cozy atmosphere. With the staff, values and community supporting it, Shelf Life Books has thrived.
“It takes a lot of ingredients to make a cake,” McDaniel said. “We talked about our values already, which are foundational. In addition, we have an amazing staff that is passionate about books, and their passion shows in what we stock and recommend to customers.”
We have a vibrant community here in Richmond that appreciates and supports local businesses – not just ours but the whole thriving Carytown scene and beyond.”
