Buyer found for Book Warehouse
Independent retailer to occupy West Broadway location
A last- minute deal has saved the 632 West Broadway location of Book Warehouse.
Although he couldn’t provide any details, Book Warehouse founder and co- owner Sharman King said that when Book Warehouse closes May 26, a new bookstore will open June 1.
“All of this is happening very quickly,” Sharman said, adding that the Broadway location of Book Warehouse was sold in the last couple of days.
“It will be good news for Vancouver and for book- lovers to have an independent bookstore opening in the city. I can’t wait to check it out,” said Margaret Reynolds, executive director of the Association of Book Publishers of B. C.
In March, The Vancouver Sun reported that the city’s largest independent discount book retailer was closing its four stores. Sharman said at the time that the decision was not because of economics, but rather because the leases were expiring and he was ready to retire. King co- owns the stores with his wife Diana King and partner Tommy Banks.
Book Warehouse was founded in 1980 and focuses on providing bargain books such as overstocks, reprints, slightly damaged books, samples, bankruptcy stock and special imports. As well, the company said, standard titles are discounted at least 20 per cent from the list price.
Bricks- and- mortar bookstores are facing stiff competition from Amazon and digital ebook sales. Duthie Books, a Vancouver institution for 52 years, closed in 2010.