Meet Jessilynn and Matt Norcross

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jessilynn and Matt Norcross.

Hi Jessilynn and Matt, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
McLean and Eakin Booksellers has brightened Petoskey, Michigan’s downtown Gaslight District since 1996. The 5,000-square-foot, two-story general bookstore brings to mind an inviting cottage, with knotty pine paneling and a fireplace. We are an independent bookstore, open seven days a week. Our community involvement and innovative programming have brought us a number of honors through the years.

In 2004, the 2004 Haslam Award for Excellence in Bookselling was awarded, and in 2000 the store was recognized for its creative children’s programming with the Lucile Micheels Pannell Award. McLean and Eakin have given over $150,000 back to our local schools and non-profit organizations through our 10% for Schools Program from 2000-2020.

Also contributing to the store’s appeal is its extensive array of unique items including vinyl records and record players; our signature candle scent, “Pages”; a broad array of puzzles for adults and children; stationery; and a large selection of greeting cards for every occasion.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We’ve had the typical small business in a small town challenges, and we’ve learned so much through the years. Independent Bookstores across the nation have watched the rise of Amazon, the decimation of downtowns because of big box stores, technological changes like digital content, and a COVID pandemic.

The thing that kept us here was our community. Our customers can get their books anywhere, but they can’t get the experience our store provides anywhere else. We take genuine pride in the way we treat everyone who comes through our red door.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Matt and I met here at the store after living and working in big cities for several years (Chicago and Detroit respectively). We had a lot in common, including going to small liberal arts colleges here in Michigan (Kalamazoo and Albion), treasuring the outdoors and beauty of Emmett County – we truly believe it is one of the most beautiful places in the world- and obviously, our genuine love of books.

When Julie, Matt’s mother, opened the store in 1992, it quickly became a vital part of Petoskey’s Downtown. We believe being a part of our community keeps our area a vibrant destination for visitors and local residents alike. That’s important to us.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I hate bananas and koalas. Matt loves gummy bears.

Contact Info:

• Website: mcleanandeakin.com
• Instagram: @mleanandeakin
• Facebook: @McLean & Eakin Booksellers
• Twitter: @mcleaneakinbooksellers

Image Credits
Stephanie Baker and Brooke Slezak