Shelf by Shelf: Bookstore Simulator Review

Game: Shelf by Shelf: Bookstore Simulator
Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation
System: Steam (Windows),
Developer | Publisher: Genco Interactive
Controller Support: No
Price: US $6.99 | UK 5.89 | EU € 6,89
Release Date: October 23rd, 2025

A review code was provided; many thanks to Genco Interactive.

Shelf by Shelf: A Charming Bookstore Sim with Room to Grow

Shelf by Shelf is a game that lets players experience the fun of running their own bookstore through decoration and shelf arrangement, offering a tranquil experience with enough strategic elements to remain interesting.

Main menu screen of the video game "Shelf by Shelf" featuring a soft purple checkered background. The game title is centered at the top with a stylized bookshelf graphic above it. Below are five white rectangular buttons labeled "Continue," "New Game," "Settings," "Credits," and "Exit." — The home menu of Shelf by Shelf, with a link to the Discord page as well

Gameplay: Organize, Curate, Connect

The general goal in Shelf by Shelf is to keep the book arrangements organized, while also fulfilling customer requests. The game starts with a rather meager bookshop containing only a few books that players can arrange by genre, color, theme, or any other way they prefer. When you open the shop, customers will arrive and will request specific titles or genres of books, such as fantasy novels or a philosophy title. The game challenges you to find the books requested by the customers by building aesthetic yet strategically effective book arrangements on your shelves.

Interior of a room with a pink bookshelf on the left and a red-framed window on the right. The bookshelf contains colored books, two potted plants, and cobwebs. The top shelf has brown books and a yellow flower; the middle shelf has green books and a cobweb; the bottom shelves hold blue and yellow books with a purple plant. The window features a potted plant with large green leaves. A calendar in the top left corner displays “Day 32,” $475, and “AM 09:51.” Four icons are visible in the top right corner, representing game controls. — Starting out with a rather empty bookshop. Still looks nice though

Drag-and-drop gameplay mechanics will lead players to develop their own unique rhythm for arranging and stacking books. As you earn money and your reputation grows, you are able to buy new designs for the shelving, decorative items, and improve the layout of the bookstore. Create your perfect space in this relaxing game that lets you build at your own speed, with no competition.

However, while the game is great in its first few hours of discovery, it lacks deeper systems, such as staff management, seasonal events, or changes in customer preference. This can get repetitive after a while spent playing, and the game would benefit from additional layers of complexity in order for it to remain interesting over a longer period of time.

Aesthetic and Atmosphere: Soft, Whimsical, and Welcoming

Shelf by Shelf features a hand-drawn aesthetic with pastel colors, invoking an atmosphere reminiscent of a sun-drenched café, where one can explore a book collection. The background is complemented by the peaceful sounds playing in the background to create a mood that helps you focus while also being relaxing. The game’s interface maintains a simple design which lets books and shelves remain the main focus.

Scene of two colorful bookshelves against a light blue wall with a wooden floor. The left shelf holds books and decorations including a potted flower and a book with a cat illustration. The right shelf features books, a rubber duck, a decorative vase, and a partially visible cat sitting on top. A calendar in the top left corner shows “Day 32,” a balance of $475, and the time “AM 09:23.” Four icons appear in the top right corner, representing game controls. — Nice pastel colours, and who doesn’t like books in order of colors!

There are minor aspects of the interface that affect the user experience. There are some awkward navigation elements in the user interface that require extra button clicks to navigate the bookstore or access the options available in menus. Although these issues can occasionally disrupt the flow of gameplay, the overall experience remains smooth.

Progression: From Book Nook to Boutique

Players are able to expand their store by completing customer requests, earning money that will allow them to buy new shelves and other decorative items.

Screenshot for video game Shelf by Shelf published on LadiesGamers.com — Trying to help your customers as best you can

The game introduces the occasional challenge, such as the limited availability of shelves, and differing customer preferences, so players are encouraged to find creative solutions. Despite any challenges, the laid-back feel is retained, and the game never punishes the players for their decisions, like choosing the wrong book for a customer.

The game’s philosophy and progression system often encourages the player to slow down. The sedate pace of the game’s progression can be frustrating for those who wish to unlock things more quickly. Shelf by Shelf could benefit from more early-game rewards with specific achievement goals included to help these types of players enjoy themselves longer. However, the current system is excellent as-is for those who prefer a more leisurely experience.

Depth and Replayability: More Than Sorting

While the core loop is simple, there’s surprising depth to Shelf by Shelf. Players will develop their ability to identify customer preferences while they learn to create efficient book arrangements that combine visual appeal with practicality.

The game features a subtle progression which shows in your shop, attracting increasing numbers of customers with different preferences. The game offers replayability through its complete freedom to customize and experiment with different shop designs, allowing each store to have a unique appearance.

Conclusion

Shelf by Shelf provides players with a peaceful gaming experience that lets them enjoy organizational tasks, creative activities, and social interactions. While it could benefit from additional gameplay elements, interface improvements, and pacing adjustments to achieve its full potential, its current systems are welcoming and very enjoyable.

If you enjoy management games like Unpacking, Tiny Bookshop, or Spiritfarer, this will fit right in with your collection. Shelf by Shelf provides a peaceful experience through its relaxing atmosphere, gameplay, and premise. Overall, it’s a game that feels like curling up with a good book.

Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot