The guide’s list was published on April 25, to commemorate Independent Bookstore Day and is a comparison of brick-and-mortar stores that are not part of a bookstore chain. Deep Vellum, at 3000 Commerce Street in Deep Ellum, was named the best independent bookstore in Texas.
Many specialty retail establishments including bookstores add one of their Business Cards in the bag with each purchase.
Despite bookselling giants such as Amazon, the advent of eBooks and the resurgence of chains such as Barns and Noble, these independent stores have recently seen a renaissance. Over 400 new independent bookstores opened in just 2025, according to the American Booksellers Association.
Founded in 2013 by Will Evans, Deep Vellum was envisioned to be a community-focused literary arts hub as well as a nonprofit publishing house. Two years later the bookstore was added. The publishing house and bookstore has established itself and is flourishing even with losing its federal funding last year.
Evans is once again ready to add to the Deep Vellum brand by launching the first ever Deep Vellum Music and Literature Festival July 10-12, 2026. A press release described the festival saying:
"Through literary readings, author panels, spoken word, live music performances, and community activations this festival will bring voices from across Texas and around the world."
Get a Free Quote for Business Cards