A Canadian couple sets up shop in Edmonton; an IT expert opens a low-tech kids’ store in California; a Washington state classic changes hands; and more.
First Bicycle Bookstore Launches in Edmonton, Nomad Books: Yvonne and Jared Epp have begun pedaling used paperbacks, throughout the Canadian city of Edmonton. In an interview on CBC Radio’s Edmonton AM, Jared said that he had been collecting and trading books for a while, but wanted to start selling them on his own. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we just sell books on the trailer and kind of cruise around downtown and sell books that way?,’” he said.
Children’s Store Opens in Lafayette, Calif.: Former IT expert and finance director Clare McNeill gave up her career to open Bel & Bunna’s Books late last month. The name is a combination of McNeill’s nickname, “Bel,” and her younger son’s stuffed rabbit, “Bunna.” The bookstore, McNeill said, will not be an imitation of Storyteller Bookstore, which closed last year, although she does plan to stock quality books and classic toys.
Dead Tree Books Opens on San Antonio’s South Side: Late last month Kenny and Lisa Johnson opened a used bookstore where hardcovers cost $3, paperbacks $2, and children’s books $1. The community, which has lost several bookstores over the past dozen years, including a Waldenbooks and a used bookstore, is hoping the Johnsons can make a go of it despite the low prices.
Auntie’s Bookstore Changes Hands: John Waite, owner of Merlyn’s Comics and Games in Spokane, is the new owner of the 38-year-old bookstore also in Spokane. In a sense the ownership has come full circle since bookstore co-founder Chris O’Harra also co-founded Merlyn’s Comics. Waite plans to keep the entire Auntie’s staff and make very few changes.
