Jon Arenz has loved books for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Michigan, he spent countless hours lost in stories, discovering worlds beyond his own backyard. (Photo courtesy of Jon Aveson)
Jon Arenz has loved books for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Michigan, he spent countless hours lost in stories, discovering worlds beyond his own backyard. Today, he’s bringing that same passion to San Diego — but with a twist. His online bookstore, Aveson, launched in July, is about more than just selling books. It’s about giving back.
“I wanted to marry my love of reading with my desire to help others, not only in my immediate community, but around the country,” Arenz said. And he means it.
Aveson donates 50 percent of its profits to schools and libraries in the communities where its books are sold. On top of that, for every 10 books purchased, a tree is planted. So far, more than 300 trees have taken root, thanks to teaming up with the Arbor Day Foundation and Trees for the Future.
“I think about it like this: one large tree can supply a day’s worth of oxygen for four people and absorb over 48 pounds of CO2 annually,” Arenz said. “It’s a small action with a big impact.”
Aveson isn’t just about the feel-good factor, though. Its catalog boasts over 8,000 titles across fiction and nonfiction, and it’s easy to browse from home. Beyond books, Arenz has added thoughtful extras like journals, puzzles, literary-themed games, bookmarks, and eco-conscious apparel — all designed to delight readers while supporting a bigger mission.
“We may not always match Amazon’s prices,” Arenz said. “But we offer something they don’t … the knowledge that your purchase makes a direct, meaningful impact on both the community and the environment.”
Running a bookstore and giving back might sound like enough, but Arenz also finds time to embrace the San Diego lifestyle. He hikes, mountain bikes, goes camping, and enjoys trivia nights — often with his two kids and their French bulldog, Jane, in tow. And of course, reading remains at the center of it all.
From a bestselling novel to a quirky pair of literary socks, every purchase at Aveson is about more than just the item itself. It’s about planting a tree, supporting local schools, and making the world a little brighter, one book at a time. New customers can even sign up for 10 percent off their first order, making it easy to start shopping and giving back immediately.
For those who want to read with purpose, Aveson is just a click away: https://www.aveson.store.
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