The Bookies bookstore, Denver, Colo., has been put up for sale and will close in June if a buyer isn't found by April 30, Westword reported. The bookshop was purchased by current owner Nicole Sullivan in 2021 after the death of Sue Lubeck, who founded the store in 1972. In 2024, Sullivan moved the store to a new location. She noted that even if a buyer isn't found by the deadline, the Bookies will continue to serve schools and partners with book sales and events, and will also switch to online, pop-up, and mobile sales out of the electric bookmobile.
"While our mission to create lifelong readers and support the Denver community remains the same, retail has not," Sullivan said. "With the advent of online shopping and big box stores offering cheaper options for books, toys, games and classroom supplies, it became necessary to rethink how the Bookies fit into the current retail landscape."
Sullivan founded BookBar, the bookstore on Tennyson she closed in 2023, "in part so that she could focus on making the Bookies an ongoing success," Westword noted, adding that whether the Bookies is sold or downsized, "operations will continue without interruption at BookGive, the store's nonprofit arm."
"The opportunity to be just a small part of the Bookies' story and long history has been a dream," Sullivan said. "I've learned so much from the staff and community these last three and a half years. Both retail and the needs of educators have changed immensely since the store was founded in 1972, and there's little doubt that big changes are still to come, so I've done my best to implement a plan ensuring another successful 50 years of bookselling. Given the strong, passionate community backing of this store, I'm optimistic that a new owner will see the business through to its next chapter."
She added: "I promise that we will be diligent in finding the right buyer to care for this one-of-a-kind Denver institution. Given the current political and economic landscape, we expect the need for book access to only grow."
In a letter to customers posted on social media, Sullivan wrote: "If a new buyer is found, I will stay on to assist in the transition to make it as seamless as possible. Until then, you can expect the same caring and professional service as always. We will continue to bring in new titles as well as fill online and special orders. Events, bookclubs, and storytimes will go on as planned."
For more information and to inquire about the sale, contact buy@thebookies.com.