Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena in danger of closing after 126 years
PASADENA, Calif. - Southern California’s largest and oldest independently owned bookstore has issued a plea of support to prevent it from shutting down.
Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena was founded in 1894. In its 126-year history, it has survived the Great Depression, World Wars, and evening the threat of chain competitors like Barnes and Nobles and Amazon.
The family-owned business says the pandemic has been the most difficult chapter in its history, having lost more than 40 percent of its business.
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"If Vroman’s is to survive, sales must increase significantly from now through the holidays," the company wrote on its website.
"We're an experiential shopping experience and when you come here, you gather with your friends, you can gather with your family," said CEO Julia Cowlishaw. "You can hang out, take your time, browse, find your books, find your gifts, and it doesn't really compete with online (shopping)."
They're asking the community to return to shopping at Vroman’s – whether online with delivery or curbside pickup, or in-person, where they have new health and safety measures in place, including limited capacity to ensure social distancing.
Click here for more ways you can help.