The Half Price Books store in Northgate on Colerain Avenue, a known competitor of Barnes & Noble, is set to close on July 7 after serving the Greater Cincinnati area for over two decades.
Customers discovered the bookstore's impending closure through a notice unceremoniously posted on the door, marking an impersonal end to a beloved local institution.
Half Price Books in Northgate to Close Due to Lease Disagreements
The Half Price Books store in Northgate, a staple of the Cincinnati community since 2003, is set to close its doors due to an inability to reach an agreement on a new lease, the corporate office confirmed, as Local 12 reported.
The bookstore, known for its wide selection and community presence, will cease operations on July 7.
A note near the store entrance conveyed the heartfelt sentiments of the establishment's long-standing relationship with the community. The message expressed gratitude towards the customers for their support over the past 21 years and shared the regrettable news that terms for a new lease could not be finalized, necessitating the closure.
The note also assured patrons that any purchases from the Northgate store could be returned at other locations under the standard return policy and that coupons and gift cards remain valid at all other Half Price Books stores and on their website.
In closing, the note acknowledged the community's support and passion during this transition, thanking them and looking forward to continuing the shared commitment to reading and recycling.
Last month, Half Price Books outlet in Mesquite, Texas, in the Market East Shopping Center also shut down.
Half Price Books website announced that despite the strong support from their customers in Mesquite, they cannot continue operations there due to rising rent costs and a decline in customer traffic.
The bookstore regretted leaving, underscoring their appreciation for the community's patronage.
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Community Reactions to Northgate Half Price Books Closure
According to The U.S. Sun, many customers have expressed frustration with the building owner for the upcoming closure of Half Price Books in Northgate. One shopper expressed deep disappointment on Facebook, criticizing the owner for letting such a valued establishment leave Colerain Avenue and wishing vacancy upon the space.
Another echoed the sentiment, hoping that the landlord faces difficulty finding a new tenant for a long time.
Meanwhile, others are grieving the closure as a significant loss. One customer shared how the store was a part of cherished routines, saying the closure saddened them as it had been where they sold books and purchased new ones for their grandson.
Another lamented, noting the store was a piece of their childhood now lost. A recent transplant to the area shared their disappointment, too, having looked forward to making regular visits to the bookstore.
While Northgate residents still have access to other Half Price Book locations and competing booksellers, the closure has notably affected the local community, leaving many feeling a void where a beloved bookstore once stood.
After the Northgate Half Price Books closure announcement, its competitor, Barnes & Noble, faces a similar fate. Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Barnes & Noble recently disclosed that their Glen Allen location shut down after 23 years of business.
The bookstore shared on social media that their departure was due to the landlord's decision to redevelop the property. The Glen Allen store, located at 9850 Brook Road, ceased operations on Sunday, June 23.
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