J&M Bookstore: A Downtown Auburn Tradition Since 1878
In the heart of Downtown Auburn, J&M Bookstore has stood as a landmark of tradition, family,
and community for nearly 150 years. Its story began in 1878 as Burton’s Bookstore, before
passing through several hands as Wright’s, Hawkins’, and Malone’s Bookstore. In 1953, it finally
became Johnston & Malone, better known today as J&M Bookstore.
The name came about through a twist of fate. While George Johnston was a student at Auburn,
he worked at Hawkins’ Bookstore. One weekend, Mr. Hawkins left for a fishing trip and handed
Johnston the store keys. Sadly, Hawkins passed away during that trip, and Johnston kept the
doors open, helping as best he could. When the store went up for sale, Paul Malone agreed to
buy it only if Johnston stayed—marking the beginning of J&M Bookstore.
For generations, the Johnston family has carried J&M forward. Trey Johnston grew up weaving
between downtown and Auburn’s rec centers, often finding himself back at the store. He recalls
childhood afternoons when downtown shopkeepers would gather behind J&M after closing, a
ritual of community and friendship. Trey’s daughter Lauren has also grown up immersed in the
family business. She treasures seeing Auburn change through the years and watching J&M
evolve alongside it. Some of her favorite memories include gamedays, when the whole family
would load into the J&M van to head to the stadium together.
Fun Facts About J&M
● When Grandma Johnston was pregnant with Trey, she fainted in front of Toomer’s
Corner and was revived with none other than Toomer’s Lemonade.
● Trey Johnston earned the nickname Tiger Man for his energetic TV ads for J&M.
Customers often stopped by for pictures—or to hear his famous tiger growl.
● Over the years, people have recognized Trey’s J&M shirts not just in Alabama but across
the country, a reminder of how deeply Auburn pride runs.
From a student-run bookstore in the late 1800s to a cornerstone of downtown Auburn today,
J&M has always been more than a store—it’s been a gathering place, a keeper of memories,
and a proud piece of the Auburn family.
Next time you’re in Auburn, especially on gameday, stop by J&M Bookstore. Whether you’re
picking up orange-and-blue gear or swapping stories with fellow fans, it’s the perfect place to
soak in the Auburn spirit before heading to Jordan-Hare.
Here’s a link to watch one of the infamous Tiger Man ads!
written by Allie Bush