Citing low foot traffic that has caused other businesses in the area to close, East End Books has shuttered its Boston Seaport store, which opened in 2023. Its final day was yesterday. East End Books will continue to operate its flagship waterfront bookstore in Provincetown, Mass., which is celebrating its 10th anniversary later this year. The Seaport store was next to the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Woods Hill Pier 4 restaurant.
The store explained, "We love the Seaport area and are confident that in the future, this will be a busy, vibrant place. When the foot traffic increases, it will be possible for indie businesses to thrive. However, the foot traffic is too low at the present time to sustain our indie bookstore, and it is unclear when that might change.
"We have done everything possible to succeed in this location. Our book events have been wonderful and people who've discovered us have let us know how much they love our bookstore. Just not enough people make it to the Seaport on a daily basis.
"As customers have let us know, it is challenging to get to the Seaport via public transportation and parking can be difficult and costly. So, unfortunately, we must follow other businesses in the area who have made the difficult decision to close."
East End Books thanked "our wonderful Boston customers! We are so grateful to all of you who've joined us on our Boston Seaport journey! Without your love and support, our indie bookstore could not have opened." The store added: "We are very grateful to Kristin Canty at Woods Hill Pier 4 Restaurant who has been one of our biggest champions, and who made it possible for us to open in her building. It has been wonderful being a neighbor."