Bookie's, a new and used bookstore in Chicago, Ill., has moved into its new location at 10324 S. Western Ave. in the Beverly neighborhood. The store, which announced a pending move in April, posted on Facebook last week: "We promised to be open for business, and we will be, but we'll call this our soft opening--maybe even our mushy opening. For one reason or another, the stars didn't align to get everything completely done, but we feel it's worth it to open--even with a few empty or non-alphabetized shelves. But we want you here to see what we've done, and we think you'll be impressed with what we've created for you. Just consider it a work in progress."
Owner Keith Lewis told DNAInfo Chicago that a grand opening celebration will be held for the location, which doubles the store's retail space, after a new awning arrives. The layout allows for more natural light, browsing among spacious aisles and places to sit.
"I am very pleased with the way things turned out," he said. "It's been almost universal positive feedback. [Customers] love the space in here.... I just want a fun space."
Long term, Lewis plans to transform the former storefront into an event space called Bookie's Annex, which will debut after the new store is up and running smoothly.