Downtown Hutchinson bookstore to close after 13 years
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A longtime downtown bookstore will close its doors after more than a decade of serving the community, with owners citing financial pressures and changing consumer habits as primary factors.
Bookends, located at 123 N. Main St., announced its closure this week after 13 years of operation. Owners Wes and Gwen Bartlett said they can no longer sustain the business financially.
"Financially, we can no longer continue to supplement the store's income from our personal finances," the Bartletts wrote in a social media announcement. "Economic conditions and the increased use of technology devices to read has made it impossible to continue."
The closure reflects broader challenges facing independent bookstores as digital reading grows and retail patterns shift. The Bartletts pointed to the rise of e-readers and digital books as contributing factors that have reduced foot traffic and sales.
Bookends will remain open while the owners liquidate their inventory. The store is offering a 50% discount on all books as part of the closing sale, with the Bartletts estimating the process will take three to six months.
The liquidation will include books, furniture and shelving as the couple works to clear the downtown location they have occupied since opening in 2012.
The bookstore has served as a gathering place for local readers and hosted various community events over the years. Its closure marks the end of an era for downtown Hutchinson's retail landscape.
Independent bookstores nationwide have faced similar challenges as online retailers and digital reading platforms have captured increasing market share. The pandemic accelerated many of these trends, putting additional pressure on small retail businesses.
The Bartletts established Bookends as a local hub for book enthusiasts, offering both new and used titles along with a welcoming atmosphere for browsers and dedicated readers alike.
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