Books Galore in Erie, Pa., will close permanently on July 31, the Erie Times-News reported. Located at 5546 Peach St., Books Galore has been in business for 43 years and sells new and used books, comic books, graphic novels, gaming supplies, and more. All used books and comic back issues are 75% off, with many other items 50% off. There will be a final goodbye for the store on July 30.
The decision to close comes after previous owner James Wallin, son of founding owner Duane Wallin, died in late June at the age of 72. Ownership then passed to James Wallin's children, Kelli Koppes and Jonathan Wallin, who have decided to close the store.
Koppes told the Erie Times-News the decision was based partly on business trends and partly on the fact that she and her brother both have full-time jobs in other fields.
"Business trends aren't nearly what they used to be when the business opened years ago," Koppes said, adding that although there is a customer base for new comics, there is lots of competition for used books and comics. At the same time, she and her brother "have full-time jobs and do other things. So taking over a small business ultimately is not something conducive to our schedules."
Rhiannon Pushchak, a Books Galore employee, told the Erie Times-News she was "devastated" by the decision to close the store, and said community members have called asking where they could go for new comic books.
Prior to the last day of business, Koppes intends to create a memory wall that customers can sign and decorate with their favorite memories of the store.