This Tri-Cities store sold books for 46 years. It’s closing because of the coronavirus
An independent bookstore in the Tri-Cities for 46 years is quitting business at the end of July.
The coronavirus pandemic closures proved financially devastating for The Bookworm on Columbia Center Boulevard, according to a Wednesday post on the store’s Facebook page.
“The store closing is strictly due to the fact that we had to close down and had a near complete loss of revenue,” they said, announcing their plans to retire.
“It has been our sincere pleasure to offer excellent customer service to our loyal customers and we hope we were successful in this endeavor,” the post said. “It has been our joy to serve this community for the last 46 years and our customers will be greatly missed.”
The bookstore, which features used and new books, has offered curbside deliveries during the coronavirus closures.
They also are allowing customers to call the store to make an appointment to shop for an hour. Only one person and a guest wearing face masks are allowed inside to make purchases.
The business opened in Richland in 1974, and expanded to Kennewick.
It traded hands three times before ending up with owners Cindy and Mark Bitzer in 2009.
The couple closed down the Richland location in 2014. They then moved from Marineland Village to Columbia Center Boulevard in 2015.
News of the closure brought hundreds of fans to their Facebook page to share their memories of the store.
“(S)o sad to see you close up shop. Thanks for the years of memories and adventures!!” said one customer.
“I am so sorry to hear this! It’s so sad to see the ripple effect that’s happening due to being shut down,” said another.
“Your store will be so missed,” another customer posted. “I shopped there from high school on and it’s one of my 9 yr old daughter’s favorite places to go. She doesn’t e-read because of her love of books which came from visiting your store. I’m so sorry this virus has taken a gem from the Tri-Cities.”
The store’s phone number is 509-735-9016.