Last Friday was the final day of business for Laurel Book Store, Oakland, Calif., which had announced earlier this summer it would be closing August 31. Owner Luan Stauss said at the time that since moving downtown four years ago, the store had experienced financial difficulties because of a poor retail environment in her part of downtown. Last summer, Stauss went public about the store's problems and sought a business partner.
In a final e-newsletter, she told her customers: "It's important that you support your local businesses, whether near your home or your work. Get out and see what is near you. If you need something, check locally before you go online. Chances are, with a little effort, you'll find what you need. And if you don't, try asking a merchant if they can get it for you. I've gotten to know how amazing the retail community is in downtown Oakland and would love for everyone else to take the time to explore and support the businesses that we have here. It truly takes all of us to make a community and how you shop determines it."
Another Oakland indie, A Great Good Place for Books, posted a tribute on its Facebook page: "Today is a sad day in Bay Area bookselling. My good friend and partner-in-crime, Luan Stauss, closed the Laurel Bookstore. She moved her bookstore from Oakland's Laurel District to Downtown Oakland--almost immediately she encountered the challenges that would eventually lead to the closure--protests, parking challenges, high rent and low foot traffic.
"You may be asking how this impacts our community? Well, Luan is a champion of community, up-and-coming writers and supporting our Oakland schools.
"What can you do so this doesn't happen to another indie bookstore? Shop at our local indies! Come by A Great Good Place for Books, Walden Pond Books, Pendragon, East Bay Booksellers, Mrs. Dalloways and any indie bookstore near you/ Remember buying #JustOneBook makes a huge difference! I wish Luan all the success in her next adventure BUT Rhett I'm sure going to miss you!"