Denver's iconic Tattered Cover Book Store has named longtime employee Derek Holland to the role of managing director in the wake of the chain’s recent sale to Barnes & Noble. Holland will be the senior store manager, based in Colfax, Colo., per a release, with overall responsibility for all bookselling operations at Tattered Cover’s four locations.
Holland, a native Denverite, has been a bookseller and store manager at Tattered Cover for close to 35 years. He was first hired in 1989, and has since worked at every Tattered Cover location. He has also served on the American Booksellers Association's diversity, equity, and inclusion committee.
"I am honored to take leadership of Tattered Cover as we set about to restore the bookstore to excellence," Holland said. "I know after 34 years working as a bookseller at Tattered Cover the extraordinary quality of which our stores are capable."
While Holland takes on his new role, several key store managers will remain in their current positions: Katie Bierzychudek continues as store manager for the Colfax location; Scott Patnesky remains store manager of the Aspen Grove outlet; and John Michael Wolter continues as store manager of the store at Stanley Market Place.
Prior Tattered Cover CEO Brad Dempsey and COO Jeremy Patlen have left the company. Reflecting on his tenure, Dempsey said, "I am proud of the work we have accomplished over the past year and grateful for the opportunity to work with this iconic bookstore. I will be looking forward to seeing this revered group of stores thrive in the community for years to come."
The changes come in the wake of Tattered Cover's acquisition, made through its subsidiary TC Acquisition Co. LLC, by Barnes & Noble and its owner, Elliott Investment Management, for $1.83 million. The sale followed Tattered Cover's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in late 2023 under its previous owners, the investment group named Bended Page. Despite the change in ownership, Tattered Cover retained its name and branding.
James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, has described the acquisition as an effort to preserve great independent bookstores. "If I can keep an independent store alive, I will," Daunt told PW, drawing parallels to similar acquisitions in the UK, where B&N has purchased independent bookstore brands like Blackwell's and Foyles. Daunt added, "store teams run their stores to their own idiosyncrasies while benefiting from the support structures of the wider business."
For his part, Holland will be challenged to both revitalize the store and honor its storied history. A key to this will be the support of the store’s staff and the local community. "I am grateful for the support of my fellow booksellers, and above all the tremendous loyalty of our cherished customers," Holland said.
