Amazon gets booked in Portland; a Bay Area bookstore adds a second location; new stores prep in Florida and Indiana; and more.
Berkeley’s Booksmith to Expand Across Haight Street: Beginning November 1, The Booksmith will add a 2,400 sq. ft. pop-up space, to be called the Bindery, inside the Second Act building. Co-owner Christin Evans said that they are planning to do a full build-out in 2017, which will include a small café with Alembic beer and wine and plenty of books. The 40-year-old Booksmith, as noted in a recent San Francisco Chronicle piece, is thriving.
Portland’s Amazon Books Holds Soft Opening: The retail giant’s 7,800 sq. ft. bookstore in Washington Square opened briefly on Saturday afternoon. Its permanent opening will occur later this week. This is the third bookstore that Amazon has opened over the past year, following ones in Seattle and San Diego.
Grand Opening for North Bend’s Connections Bookstore: The Southern Oregon-based metaphysical bookstore will hold its grand opening on November 5 in conjunction with Gallery By the Bay, an art gallery that is also located in Unity By the Bay. In addition to books, the bookstore has a large selection of music and a listening center.
Tallahassee’s Midtown Reader to Celebrate Grand Opening: The Florida bookstore is holding its soft opening this week and will celebrate with a series of activities and events on November 12.
The Unorganized Bookstore Closes: After eight years, the Marion, Ind., used bookstore is closing. October 28 will be the last day. Owner Andrew Zylstra made the decision because he and the store’s two employees were ready to try something new.
Dove Christian to Close: David Hulstart is closing the 32-year-old Orange City, Iowa, bookstore because of his health. Even without that, Hulstart said that business has been slowing over the past five years.
