Metropolis Books, a 900-sq.-ft. general bookstore, will open the first week in December on South Main Street in the historic core of downtown Los Angeles, as its owner, Julie Anne Swayze, seeks to translate 14 years of experience working for Pier 1 Imports into a career in bookselling.
"I'm hoping that retailing is retailing, and I hope to master this," said Swayze, who has joined the Southern California Booksellers Association and plans to attend the regional and national shows. Swayze is not entirely new to the book business; she's self-published paranormal mysteries and is a member of Sisters in Crime.
In recent years, downtown L.A. has become revitalized, with new residential lofts opening up in the area near Metropolis. Swayze said she's been told having a bookstore move into the area was the top request of residents.
"There's lots of foot traffic," said Swayze. Many artists and actors live in the area, and there are cafes and shops nearby, but the closest bookstore is a Borders Express in a mall within walking distance of Metropolis.
"I've never seen somebody move as quickly as she is" to open her store, said Chris Gruener, Baker & Taylor's West Coast retail manager, who has been working with Swayze to choose inventory. "I opened four stores for Pier 1, so it's not intimidating," Swayze said. "It feels manageable."
