Canadian indie Type Books had a soft opening October 3 for its third store in Toronto, at 2887 Dundas St. West in the Junction neighborhood. Toronto Life described the new location as "particularly pretty." A grand opening is planned for next month. Type Books co-founders Samara Walbohm and Joanne Saul opened their first bookstore, on Queen West, in 2006.
"It was a time when a lot of independent bookstores were closing--and we missed them!" said Saul. "It's an overused term, but we truly wanted to act as a community hub, and be grounded in our neighborhood."
For the past year, the co-owners had been encouraged to open a store in the Junction, particularly by manager Rebecca Andoff and window designer Kalpna Patel, who live in the area. "We were getting a lot of positive pressure suggesting it was exactly the kind of neighborhood that was ripe for an independent bookstore, and Type in particular," Saul noted.
Andoff told Quill & Quire: "People have been so unbelievably enthusiastic. My favorite thing is when the door is propped open I can hear what people say when they realize there is a Type Books here now, and it's like kids on Christmas morning. It's so hyperbolic."
On Instagram, Type Books Junction posted: "We are so thankful to everyone who has come to see us this past week--you've made us feel right at home! And an extra special thanks goes out to all the neighboring businesses who have been so welcoming and supportive--we are honored to be in your company."