Via a classifieds ad on our sister site, CHS, we learn that Madison is losing an independent retailer:
City Books on First Hill is closing and will be starting a Huge Wall to Wall closing sale Wednesday April 14th at 8 am. Every single item will be on sale including books, gifts and gift wrap, children's books and toys, and much more. Come check out our selection of fixtures, office equipment and furniture -- it all has to go. Hurry in for the best selection. City Books is located at 1305 Madison Street on First Hill. Sale hours after opening on Wednesday April 14th are Monday through Friday 8 am till 5 pm.
In January, owners Cynthia Russell and Kirby McCoy posted an open letter saying they were struggling to stay in business at the 1305 Madison shop:
City Books, like many other small businesses, is in dire straits right now. Over the last 2 ½ years, our sales have dropped more than 35% while, of course, our underlying costs have risen. This store has never been a money-making machine, nor was that ever our priority. I like being on the sales floor; I like knowing my customers and recommending just the right title for them. Kirby thrives on selecting perfect cards and dynamite gift items for the store and then using her considerable talents to arrange those items in appealing displays. We like being able to run this business and still maintain a level of balance in our lives. We enjoy hearing about your children, cats or dogs or simply what’s going on in your lives.
Some of you have expressed your concerns, and they are appreciated. Others have commented on the declining number of books on the shelves and want to know if we are going to stay in business. Our standard answer is “We are here today.” But if you want us to be here for many more todays, we need to be honest about this situation and say that quite frankly, it is in your hands how many more days we are here. If we are no longer important to you or to the quality of life in this neighborhood, then it is indeed time for us to close and move on.
However, if you think we still can contribute in a positive fashion, let us know by shopping here. Ordering books that we don’t have in the store is never a problem, and special orders usually arrive within a week. Ordering gift items or cards is a bit harder but we always make the best effort to meet your requests.
If we stay in business or not, it has been our privilege to be a part of this community and your lives for the past 12 ½ years. And for that opportunity, please accept our gratitude.
Meanwhile, Elliott Bay Book Co. is slated to open its new Capitol Hill location this week.
