Journeys of Life, the 30-year-old bookstore in Pittsburgh, Pa., that specializes in books on personal growth, life issues and spirituality, will close on June 8, coinciding with owner Jean Haller's retirement.
"It's been a wonderful ride," said Haller. "It's time. That's what I've said to anyone that's asked me about it--it's time."
The store has been running a retirement sale for the last seven weeks. During that time, Haller has displayed a book in which customers can write down their favorite memories of the shop. Sometime during the week before the store closes, Haller plans to host a goodbye party; she looks forward to inviting longtime customers and past employees.
Haller reported that she's been considering retirement for around a year and a half. Last year she looked into a work-to-buy program with an employee, but after that fell through she decided to wait to announce her retirement until her 70th birthday.
When she first announced her plans to retire and close the store, Haller recalled, her customers were shocked. Now, she said, "people are sad to see us go." When asked whether any customers have inquired about buying the store, Haller answered: "The inquiries have been, why aren't you selling the business? My response is, that's easier said than done."
Over the past three or four years, Haller's book sales have declined annually. While she and her staff have made up the income through increased sidelines sales, off-site events and more, Haller said she's "seen the effect of the current retail climate" on her store and "did not want to become an online bookseller." But thanks to the retirement sale, she said, the business is going out on a "super high note." She added: "I'm amazed."
In retirement, Haller said she's going to work with a few local non-profit groups, especially one called the Neighborhood Academy, which is a school for at-risk 6-12th graders. In addition to her volunteer work, she plans to do some traveling and spend time with her five grandchildren.
Looking back at her career as a bookseller, Haller said she's never going to forget when her store burned down in November 2011. Her customers and community members, as well as vendors and publishers and sales reps, all rallied around the store and got Journeys of Life reopened in only two weeks. "It was the most amazing outpouring of love and kindness I've ever experienced," said Haller.
Haller is also looking to sell her store's Franklin Fixtures. Interested parties can reach her at jean@journeysoflife.com.