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SoCal’s Oldest Indie Bookstore Shutters Hastings Ranch Location
The exterior of a Vroman's Bookstore location.
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Vroman's Bookstore
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Topline:
Vroman’s Bookstore closed its Hastings Ranch location on Sunday after more than 20 years at the site, the company announced in a statement.
Why now: The company was unable to reach a new lease agreement with the property owner, according to a statement.
Why it matters: A dozen employees were impacted by the closure.
“While this development is unexpected and disappointing, we are most disheartened by the impact on our-coworkers,” the company said in a statement posted to Instagram. “Their dedication and hard work made that store successful, and we are forever grateful.”
The backstory: Vroman’s Bookstore was founded in 1894, making it the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California, according to the company’s website. Vroman's majority shareholder Joel Sheldon said earlier this year his family is looking to sell the company.
What's next: Vroman’s said they’ll now be concentrating their efforts on making the Colorado Boulevard flagship store in Pasadena better than ever.
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Go deeper: Learn more about the best indie bookstores in Los Angeles.
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