The growing popularity of e-books is forcing the owners of the Red Deer Book Exchange to bring their story to an end.
Gord Rock, who opened the used bookstore with his wife Gayle in 1993, said they first noticed a slow decline in clientele over a year ago but the numbers have been dropping drastically since Christmas.
The store is frequented by only about 25 per cent of the customers it once had, Rock said, so the couple have decided not to re-sign their lease that expires at the end of July.
“As soon as we heard about (e-books) we realized it might happen,” he said. “But to be honest, we did not expect it to happen as fast as it has.”
A closing sale started on Monday as the Rocks are trying to clear their shelves lined with upwards of 15,000 books.
Prices have been reduced by 50 per cent, which equals 70 per cent off cover prices. Outstanding credits and gift certificates will be honoured until the business closes at the end of June.
Rock, a self-described lifelong bookworm, decided to start the business to provide an affordable option for readers who cannot afford to pay full cover price.
“I feel really bad because, believe it or not, we’ve got members who’ve been coming in here for years who I know for a fact cannot afford to pay $10 or $12 for a book,” he said.
“If they can’t afford a $10 book they can’t afford a $150 e-book reader, that’s for sure.”
And while he noted digital readers offer some benefits to readers with vision problems and those going on a trip, Rock is disappointed to see paperbacks and hardcovers being replaced by devices such as Kindles and iPads.
“How can you cuddle up with a little electronic gadget as you’re going to sleep?” he asked. “I really believe in about five years or so, people who are book lovers are going to suddenly say, ‘You know, I miss the books.’ Unfortunately a lot of bookstores are not going to be there anymore because nobody can stay in business while they wait for that to happen.”
While he plans on taking a job that caters to his woodworking skills, Rock isn’t completely giving up on books. He wants to update the business website, www.reddeerbookexchange.com, and continue to sell rare collectables.
Red Deer Book Exchange is located at No. 15, 6791 50th Ave. The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.
ptrotter@www.reddeeradvocate.com