After a 30-year run, Linda Hillegass and her husband, Jim McKee, have decided to retire and close their Lincoln, Neb., bookstore, Lee Booksellers. “The lease is about to expire,” said McKee, “and at almost 69, I wanted to make sure the lease expires before I do.”
Although the city of Lincoln has grown since Lee Booksellers opened in 1979, the number of local businesses has shrunk. Local department stores, lumber yards, grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants—you name it—one by one they’ve fallen to the national chains, the couple said. The two booksellers credit their success as an independent to customer loyalty and an outstanding staff, many of whom have worked for the business for many years.
During its 30 years, Lee Booksellers had a number of incarnations, and today has one 5,000 square foot store, employing 18 people. Given the state of the economy, Hillegass and McKee were unable to sell the business, and decided to sell off all the inventory, furniture and fixtures and close the business. The liquidation sale begins Dec. 3. “We will miss the thousands of friends we have made bookselling in Lincoln,” said Hillegass. “It’s been a great 30-year ride.”
