It's all doom and gloom these days isn't it? Today's Chicago Tribune reports that Women and Children First, Chicago's stalwart feminist indie bookshop is teetering closer and closer to shutting its doors.
Last week, the two women, who founded the store in 1979 in Lincoln Park, thought long and hard before deciding to renew their lease for the three storefronts at 5233 N. Clark St. But, buffeted by competition from the Internet and huge chain stores, they only did so after their landlord said he wouldn't raise their rent -- and they only committed to a single year.
A hair-raising figure later in the story:
Since Women and Children First moved to the Clark Street location in 1990, about three of every four independent bookstores in the U.S. have gone out of business, she notes.
Three out of every four! Since 1990. You want proof that times are changing? There it is.
Now here's the real shocker: You can't blame this one on the chains (at least not entirely). At least here in Chicago, Borders is looking to dump four of its eight stores.
For now Women & Children first are going to hang on--one of the two owners has cut back her hours and taken on a second job--but no one knows for how long. If you're in Chicago, buy a book from them. If you live somewhere else, do the same at your local indie bookshop--I'm sure they're hurting too.
Is this a specialty feminist bookstore (i.e. nearly 100% feminist and women-centered books) or is it an indie shop run by feminists?