Last Tuesday's bomb cyclone storm in the Seattle, Wash., area caused widespread damage and power outages for many thousands, including the Third Place Books store in Lake Forest, where power was finally restored Saturday afternoon. Third Place also operates stores in Seward and Ravenna.
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| Powerless booksellers at Third Place: "No phone, no Internet, but thousands of books." | |
In response to requests from customers asking how they might help, Third Place owner Robert Sindelar posted his reaction on the bookstore's social media sites yesterday, writing: "Like many of us in the greater Seattle area, our Lake Forest Park store lost power last week after the powerful bomb cyclone that swept through Western Washington. We had to close for almost four days during a critical season for retailers-bookstores in particular. Those lost sales are always tough. But at this time of year, when holiday shopping is kicking into gear, losing those four days is devastating to a local business. Some customers and friends of the store have asked if there are ways to help. Here's what you can do."
Sindelar's suggestions included buying a gift card, making a donation to the store's Books to Students Fund, or simply coming to the store to shop. "Also, if there are other local stores that you love and care about that lost power for days this past week, please consider supporting them with gift card purchases as well," he added. "Restaurants that closed were hit particularly hard. Their employees lost days of tips. Many lost all their inventory and are still struggling to recover....
"As we all reflect on things we are thankful for this week, I will be thinking about how lucky I am to work and live with such an amazing community of readers. All the best to our Third Place Community."