LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — R.D. Talley Books, the first Black-owned bookstore on the Las Vegas Strip, held its grand reopening Saturday at a new storefront inside Fashion Show Mall, drawing community members, local authors and tourists to celebrate the shop’s next chapter.
Owner Roderick Talley launched the business through pop-up shops and online retail before establishing a brick-and-mortar location. He was forced to leave that original space in May when his lease ended. The new location is on the mall’s second level and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
MORE ON FOX5: Historic Black-owned bookstore reopens in Las Vegas
Community support through relocation
Talley said it was the community’s response during the closure that carried him through the transition.
“I didn’t realize that we were making such an impact on people until things kind of hit hard times,” Talley said.
Customer LaDondra Gross, who said she has followed the store since its earliest days, said the shop holds personal significance.
“I was there when, like, basically the ground floor,” Gross said. “Oh, it means so much to be able to walk into a bookstore and actually see representation for yourself on the covers.”
A hub for authors, children and the community
Attendees described R.D. Talley Books as a hub for local authors, a gathering spot for children and a place where both locals and tourists can explore the diverse history of Las Vegas.
Customer and local author Sadie Soliloquy said she connected with Talley through the poetry community.
“I’ve been following RD’s bookstore for the last few years. I met him through poetry, actually. I’m a poet and an author myself,” Soliloquy said.
Karina, the store’s assistant manager, said inclusivity is central to the shop’s identity.
“The difference between here and any other place is that we’re all about inclusivity and a welcoming environment. As soon as someone walks in, we want them to feel welcome,” she said.
Minority-owned businesses driving Nevada growth
The reopening comes as new data shows minority entrepreneurs are driving small-business growth in Nevada. According to an analysis by UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research, Black or African American-owned small businesses in Nevada increased by at least 35.4% between 2019 and 2022, while Hispanic-owned small businesses grew by 31.1% and Asian-owned small businesses grew by 27.2%. The analysis also found that 40% of all small businesses in the state were created after the pandemic, with Clark County accounting for much of that growth.
Talley said his main piece of advice to other entrepreneurs is straightforward.
“Several lessons. But I’d say the main one is never letting anyone try to convince you that you don’t belong in certain places. That’s the main lesson, that’s for sure,” he said.
R.D. Talley Books is located on the second level of Fashion Show Mall and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The store’s website is also available online.
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