Just like Main Street Books in St. Charles, AOTSP will begin closing out at the end of January; unlike MSB, it’s not because we’re retiring. Darn the luck.
Only a miracle can make a difference at this point. Sales were way down in December, half what we expected, and things are . . . tight, to say the least. So we have to make a decision:
If we could “find” $10K, we could stay open until our lease is up September 30 and maybe business will pick up.
If we could “find” $20K, we could extend our hours and stay in business through the next holiday season and again, hope for the best.
Or, someone could make an offer to buy – $30K.
On the other hand, the economy is still pretty much in the tank, Amazon can afford loss leaders in the form of books and we can’t, and we’re already stretched pretty thin with Dennis back at work and all of my other projects. I need to focus on what’s important and productive, and the bookstore just isn’t it.
We won’t be doing any campaigns like Indiegogo – they’ve been done to death in these parts and I’ve never had much response on those anyway. I doubt seriously that any investors, angel or otherwise, would consider a bookstore a smart move – it just isn’t.
Negative much? No. Realistic. I think.
It’s been fun, it’s been educational, but it’s probably time to stop the bleeding.
You’ll be the first to hear if anything changes, and of course, I’ll keep you apprised of all the details, such as author consignment, store credits, and so forth.
Robin Writes 
So sorry to hear this Robin.
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[…] The End is in Sight. […]
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I am very sorry to hear this Robin. I hope wherever this takes you is brighter and better.
MJ
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If I had 30k, I’d invest.
Malcolm
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I really hate that you are closing the bookstore, but I understand. You have been so supportive of all us local authors. 😦
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I’m so sorry, Robin. Your store is so adorable. If I lived down there, I’d be there every week. I wish you the best of luck with RHP and your writing. Don’t worry about my books that are left. You can bring them to the conference in April.
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I’m really sorry to hear that, Robin. AOTSP seemed a brilliant mix with publishing! They always say things happen for the better!
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Reblogged this on Paws4Thought and commented:
Will really miss All on the Same Page. It’s true to say that without the writer’s group that’s meets there once a month I would be not be published today – and certainly wouldn’t have made a bunch of very good friends.
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Reblogged this on mishaburnett and commented:
Sad news.
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UGH SO SAD! And so sorry. Hugs!
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Oh, yikes, Robin. I’m so sorry to hear this.
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So sad to hear this.
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If you’re sad about it, I’m sorry. If you’re happy about it, I’m glad. Either way, hugs! And I’m glad you don’t have to worry about making the decision anymore.
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I am really sad to hear about this! 😦
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I am sorry to hear Robin…
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I’m so sorry the bookstore work out! Hopefully you’re moving on to bigger and better things?
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Robin, you have been so sweet and supportive, I am sorry to hear this. It’s terrible to loose another beautiful bookstore. I am praying really hard that you get the funds you need. *sending hugs*!
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Just read your post. It is a sad dilemma to be caught in and unfortunately in any economic downturn it is always the arts that suffer. Go through the stages of loss and then come back with a vengeance. You can do it.
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Robin,
Sad news. Sorry to hear it. Good luck with your other endeavors.
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Wow. So sad.
Did you see the movie “You’ve Got Mail” or read the book “Shopgirl”? This whole post is like lines of dialog from either one.
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is there a government program that helps small businesses? This is so darn sad. If I win the Lotto tonight, I’d be more than happy to give you the money needed. Don;t give up hope yet, something might happen.
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Pretty sure the only gov plans hurt rather than help. But thanks – I’m hoping for that miracle!
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Sad to hear it . . . great places like your should be scattered all over town, like Starbucks or something. Thanks for all the hard work and effort!
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Another tragedy caused by the ruling class that has its boot on the necks of Americans. I’m so very sorry to hear when a person’s dreams are shattered through no fault of their own. Washington DC has made our nation sick, weak, and the home of a den of thieves instead of freedom, liberty, and individual sovereignty. God bless.
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