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 […]
Bookstores
Powell’s Under Fire For AI Merch Design
Critics have asserted online that Powell’s Books in Portland used AI to create designs that appear on shirts and mugs. One shows an illustration of a wolf standing on top of books, the spines of which show both binding and pages. One online comment claims that employees complained about the design before the shirts were printed, but “were given the runaround.” “Powell’s workers have been voicing concerns about the use of AI in these designs for months and company leadership has been unmoved… maybe feedback from customers and book industry peers will move them?” the Powell’s workers’ union, ILWU Local […]
Books Inc. Seeks Court Approval to Sell Its Assets to Barnes & Noble
Bankrupt Bay Area bookstore chain Books Inc. filed a motion with the bankruptcy court seeking approval to sell their assets to an affiliate of Barnes & Noble for $3.25 million. Books Inc. filed for voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization in January “in response to revenue losses from steadily rising operating costs and changing consumer buying habits exacerbated by the COVID pandemic.” Last year, the bankrupt Tattered Cover stores in Denver were sold to B&N for $1.83 million. Books Inc. says in their announcement that if the deal goes through, the store group “will preserve its independent identity. Books Inc. will continue […]
ABA Discusses Tariffs, Swipe Fee Legislation at Annual Meeting
The American Booksellers Association Annual Meeting and Town Hall was presented via Zoom yesterday, with outgoing president Tegan Tigani, ceo Allison Hill, and other board members sharing updates and fielding questions from booksellers. Tigani said in her introductory remarks: “The last year has been challenging. The turnover on our board mirrors turnover many of us are seeing in our stores. Our industry is experiencing high rates of burnout and churn.” She noted that booksellers are feeling strain from “reworking a school order to fit the parameters of a new budget, from testifying or waiting to testify in the Texas House […]
B&N To Take Over Trade Sales at Seattle Indie
Barnes & Noble will take over trade book sales at independent store University Book Store in Seattle, KUOW reports. University Book Store told the outlet that it will still handle textbook sales and that Boon Boona Coffee will still run the cafe. “The University Book Store approached us to take over the trade bookstore to support the team and community moving forwards. The store will be a B&N but continue to have the University Book Store signage and honor many of their existing partnerships,” B&N VP, stores Amy Fitzgerald said in a statement.
The Strand Will Take Over Last Shakespeare & Co. Location
The Strand will take over Shakespeare & Co.’s last remaining location at 2020 Broadway between 69th and 70th as of June 1. In March, Shakespeare & Co. closed its two other stores on West 105th Street and Broadway and at 939 Lexington Avenue, citing rising costs and rent, but claiming that the Lincoln Square location remained “open and thriving.” Shakespeare and Co. booksellers and baristas will remain employed by The Strand. Nancy Bass Wyden, owner of The Strand, said, “Shakespeare & Co. has been an invaluable and treasured resource on the West Side since the 1980s and in 2018 opened […]