Magnolia & Main Books in Ridgeway, Va., will close its bricks-and-mortar location and switch to a pop-up model, the Henry County Enterprise reported.
The new and used bookstore opened at 810 Main St. in May 2024. Its last day there will be January 31. Going forward, owner Traci Knight Morton will set up shop at businesses in the Ridgeway area. She intends to carry a similar mix of books, journals, and accessories, with some of the pop-up appearances being vendor events and others author events.
Morton told the Henry County Enterprise she chose to close the bricks-and-mortar mainly because of her parents' health concerns, noting that she has had to close the store at unexpected times in order to care for them.
"I want to be there for them as much as I can," she said. "Since I opened, I have always prayed that God would help me know if it was time for a change. Over Christmas break, I felt that time was near. Although I hate to lose this beautiful space and the experiences we have here, I have peace that it's what I need to do."
The bookstore will be open as usual until the end of the month, with a clearance sale ongoing. Magnolia & Main's last in-store event will be held on January 31 and will celebrate the store's customers as well as the launch of Freida McFadden's thriller Dear Debbie (Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks).
The store's first pop-up event will take place on February 7 at the Pieces Too Boutique in Martinsville, Va. After that, she will be part of a Galentine's Day event on February 13 at Rose Gold Salon, also in Martinsville. Beyond that, it will be a "choose your own adventure," as Morton put it.
"I had no idea what to expect before I opened the store, and it has been one blessing after another," Morton said. "I have met so many wonderful people, found priceless friendships, and made lasting connections."