Beth Elliott, owner of Downtown Book & Toy in Jefferson City, Mo., announced earlier this week that the bookstore will be sold, KRCG13 reported.
While details about the buyer were not provided, Elliott said in a Facebook post that they "have fantastic ideas to keep local bookselling in Jefferson City, and I know that they will be successful."
Elliott added that it will "take a little time to get details worked out," though she hopes for as little disruption as possible. Newspapers will be discounted for the rest of the month, with the last delivery of the News Tribune scheduled for April 19. All other newspapers will cease being delivered on April 30, and Elliott encouraged customers to pick up any outstanding special orders by the end of the month.
"I have endless gratitude to everyone who has patronized us over the years," wrote Elliott. "Thank you so much for helping me to achieve a dream."
The news comes just a few days after store manager Jamie Howard told KRCG13 that Trump's tariffs and trade war posed a significant threat to the book and toy store. Not only had the cost of goods already risen, Howard noted, but the economic uncertainty seemed to have already caused a drop in foot traffic.
Elliott purchased Downtown Book & Toy in 2021 from the store's retiring owners. Previously, Elliott had worked at a second Downtown Book & Toy location at Capital Mall in Jefferson City.