A cherished independent bookstore in Chicago is being forced to close its doors, with its owners pointing the finger at a giant corporate rival that opened nearby. Volumes Bookcafe, a community hub in the Wicker Park neighbourhood, will shut for good in January after nearly a decade in business.
A Decade of Community Memories Ends
Founded in 2016 by sisters Rebecca and Kimberly George, Volumes Bookcafe became far more than just a place to buy books. The shop was a cornerstone of the local area, hosting over 20 engagement proposals and even providing the backdrop for a baby's first steps. For nearly ten years, it served as a cosy 'third space' where residents could connect over literature and a warm drink.
However, that chapter is now ending. Co-owner Rebecca George revealed to the Chicago Tribune that sales have plummeted by nearly 30 percent. She directly attributes this devastating decline to the opening of a new Barnes & Noble location in 2024, just down the street at 1601 N Milwaukee Ave.
The Real-Life 'You've Got Mail' Scenario
The situation struck a familiar chord with George, who noted its uncanny resemblance to the plot of the beloved 1998 romantic comedy 'You've Got Mail'. In the film, Meg Ryan's character owns a small children's bookshop threatened by Tom Hanks's character, who runs a large corporate bookstore chain.
"Where's our Tom Hanks?" George joked to the Tribune, before adding, "But no, I'm just kidding. I don't think I would have ever dated Tom Hanks because of [his job]." The reality, however, is no laughing matter. George explained that their local shop simply cannot compete with the vast inventory and deep discounts offered by the retail giant.
The crucial holiday trading period was particularly damaging. Despite efforts to attract new customers with more events, shoppers increasingly drifted away. "Impatient customers just 'go down the street' to the book giant if Volumes doesn't have what they desire," George stated.
Community Reaction and the Wider Impact
The closure has left locals heartbroken. Jessica Ekhoff, who financially supported the store when it moved after the COVID-19 pandemic, spoke of the unique role it played. "I've always been a big reader, and to me, a great neighbourhood bookstore is the perfect third space," she said. "There's a certain kind of bond between people who really love books."
Ekhoff emphasised the harsh realities for small businesses, noting that "massive corporations can just kind of run over everybody else." Rebecca George echoed the sentiment, highlighting the economic importance of independent shops. "The amount of money that's going directly back into your community is significantly higher with small businesses than it is with corporate America," she told the Tribune.
As Volumes prepares its final holiday gift catalogue, George encouraged the community to continue supporting other independent bookstores. She made a poignant final observation: "You don't move to a neighbourhood because there's an Abercrombie. You move to a neighbourhood because it's got a cool bakery and a bookstore." The shop at 1373 N Milwaukee Ave will remain open until its closure next month.
