A Linden Hills neighborhood gem, Wild Rumpus bookstore, has turned a new leaf as it transfers ownership from its founder to a quartet of dedicated employees. The charming establishment, known for its eclectic mix of books and resident animals, was facing a potential end of an era with the retirement of Collette Morgan, who has been at the helm for three decades.
But instead of selling the store to just any bidder, Morgan chose to pass down the legacy of Wild Rumpus to those who had been part of it for years. According to a CBS News Minnesota report, the employees-turned-owners banded together to keep the bookstore's spirit alive. "She said I'm open to an offer from staff so some of us got together, and said, 'Do you think we could do this?'" recounted Timothy Otte, who is among the new owners and has been part of the Wild Rumpus story since his childhood.
The transition of ownership marks not just a change in management but a continuing commitment to a community staple. Wild Rumpus, nestled on West 43rd Street near Sheridan Avenue South, has long been a fixture in the Minneapolis book scene, inviting readers of all ages to indulge in the magic of literature amidst a menagerie of friendly animals. The bookstore operates Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and adjusts its hours slightly on weekends according to KSTP-TV News.
Otte, alongside Jessica Fuentes, Beth Wilson, and Anna Hersh are the new caretakers of this literary haven. "It really means a lot that she trusts us to continue the legacy on," Fuentes expressed in a sentiment echoed by her co-owners in a statement to CBS Minnesota. Morgan's confidence in her former employees is clear, and with the change in ownership, Wild Rumpus looks set to remain a cherished part of the Minneapolis community.
Longtime customers and new visitors alike can expect to find the same inviting ambiance they've come to love about Wild Rumpus, as the new owners plan to enhance what's already there rather than overhaul it. Whether it's the purring of cats, the rustle of chinchilla fur, or the colorful flash of birds in flight, the bookstore continues to promise an experience that transcends the mere act of shopping for books.
