Natchez, Miss., Bookstore Closing

Turning Pages Books and More, Natchez, Miss., will close on May 31, the Natchez Democrat reported.

Mary Emrick, who founded the store in 2000, told the paper that "an ailing computer system" and a downtrend in sales were the cause for the decision. The store's gross income has halved since its high in 2007, when the store had a high profit, and now she doesn't have enough money for a computer upgrade. She said, too, that "people don't read like they did when I was growing up. And if they do, they can buy e-books or order online. The change has just made my business a dinosaur."

She praised her staff and customers: "I have the most amazing, loyal customers. I just don't have enough of them... I loved my store. I just loved it. I'm sorry it's closing."

The store carries fiction, biography, history, classical literature, Civil War, African-American, gardening, collectibles, southern authors, regional, religion, inspirational fiction, cookbooks, political and children's books. In addition, it carries greeting cards, journals, bookmarks, music CDs, children's plush toys and audiobooks.

Powered by: Xtenit