Owner Charlie Leonard and his team of book sellers (call them advisers, confidantes, mentors, title-pickers, etc.) have been a breath of fresh air in retailing.
With great personal service, an infectious passion for books, author events in-store, and a "frequent buyer club" where tallies were kept manually in a green metal index card box, the Book Case business model was the way books should always have been sold and celebrated.
But times have changed. We all know the story. Rents rise. National chains move into the independent's market. E-readers steal share. Plus, you can buy on Amazon for less than the independent can sell it to you, and deliver it overnight. All with the click of a mouse.
Nancy and I will miss Charlie's Angels (and his Devils). We want to say "thanks" for the years of exemplary customer service, the chance to get to know you sellers on a personal basis, and for a selection of titles that never disappointed.
Indeed, just this afternoon, I bought two books after plopping down in a cozy leather wing chair to read a few pages of each: the novel "Quesadillas," by Mexican author Juan Pablo Villalobos; and then "Family Life," by Akhil Sharma.
With gratitude, you all, and very best of luck in the next chapter of your lives.
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