Mudsock Books & Curiosity Shoppe, Fishers, Ind., will close April 6 after five years in business, the Indianapolis Star reported. Owner Cindy Rushton blamed a combination of the down economy and increasing online competition
"Every year we lose less money, but I'm still losing money," she said. "People can go to Amazon and order a book online cheaper than I can get it from my distributor. I have some faithful customers but I just don't have enough."
Other booksellers in the area expressed sympathy as well as guarded optimism for their own futures.
"I feel terrible to know that another independent bookstore is closing," said Elizabeth Barden, owner of Big Hat Books, Broad Ripple. "For us it's about getting into a rhythm with our loyal customers and I think our fantastic Broad Ripple location helps.... It's kind of Cheers type feeling here. We know everybody by name and people like feeling special."
Debbie Marinaro, owner of the Wild Bookstore, Noblesville, said, "Business is steady. I'm in the business of children's books for children. Children are going to learn to read by touching, smelling the books and turning the pages. There's something completely different about holding a pop-up book than looking at a computer screen."
