Powell’s Books in Portland has hired David Maquera as ceo, taking over from Patrick Bassett who stepped down in September after 5 years with the bookseller, the Portland Business Journal reports. Powell’s declined to comment to the outlet on the leadership transition. Oddly, according to union representative for ILWU Local 5 Myka Dubay, Maquera joined the bookseller back in September. Dubay reports “that Maquera has not attended any of the regular meetings between union representatives and the company and declined an introduction between union representatives and himself.” The company has laid off more than two dozen employees in recent months, citing […]
Bookstores
Barnes & Noble Partners With A24 On Branded Stores
Barnes & Noble is partnering with A24 to bring “the A24 Shop Experience” to nine B&N locations this week, “with more locations” to be added next year. Participating stores are located in LA, New York, Seattle, Orlando, inside Minnesota’s Mall of America, and more. The space will feature books from the studio’s publishing arm, launched in 2019, plus “products inspired by its IP from Blu-rays and Vinyl to collectibles and exclusive merchandise.” “Storytelling has always been at the heart of Barnes & Noble, and we’re thrilled to partner with A24, the home for storytelling on screen,” said Barnes & Noble […]
Powell’s Books Lays Off Staff
Powell’s Books in Portland has laid off staff, reports Oregon Live, “bringing the total to more than two dozen employees in the past four months.” The latest round included 13 employees across a number of roles. The bookstore did not specify which departments were downsized. “As with many businesses right now, we’re seeing expenses rise faster than sales,” Powell’s wrote in a statement earlier this week. “This has been an ongoing challenge since the pandemic, and while we’ve taken many steps to grow revenue and control costs, this most recent action was an unfortunate but necessary step to help ensure […]
Vroman’s Bookstore Site Sells For $15.5 million
Vroman’s Bookstore sold its 55,854-square-foot Pasadena site for $15.5 million to GD Realty Group. The store will remain open. Owner Joel Sheldon had announced his plans to retire and sell the store almost two years ago. The store’s second location, in Hastings Ranch, closed in May 2024.
Bookshop.org Launches Ebooks in the UK
Bookshop.org has launched their ebook platform in the UK on Apple and Android. The platform launches with over a million ebooks, “including works from major publishers,” and allows readers to “share their favorite book moments on social media.” Independent bookstores will keep 100% of the profits of the ebooks they sell. Bookshop ceo and founder Andy Hunter says in a release: “Our ebook launch furthers our commitment to help bookstores flourish in the digital age. After introducing our ebook platform in the US earlier this year, we are thrilled to see how ebook sales are going for bookshops. We are […]
Bluestockings Bookstore To Close After 26 Years
Bluestockings Cooperative, the feminist organization that includes Bluestockings Bookstore in Manhattan, announced it will close at the end of 2025. The bookstore is shuttered, but they will continue to fulfill orders through December. They cite “many setbacks” over the last two years, including “$12,000 a month in rent, thousands in utilities,” and disputes with the neighbors. They write on their website, “This closure was our absolute last resort. On top of our crew’s ongoing struggle against the organized abandonment of New York City and constant crises, the remaining worker-owner and staff are at the limits of what they can manage […]