All About Books and Comics in Phoenix, Ariz., will close in April after 38 years in business. Owners Alan and Marsha Giroux have decided to retire and will close the bricks-and-mortar side of their business.
"When we purchased our business, known as A Little Bookstore, in December of 1981, we were youngsters looking for a new venture," they wrote in a message announcing their retirement plans. "And brother, has it been an adventure for the last 38 years! Fun and rewarding, it has been a great ride, and an amazing place to raise our children, but now it is time to say goodbye to the brick and mortar side of our business."
The store will continue to carry new releases of comics, trade paperbacks and merchandise through March 25, and from now until the store's closure there will be major discounts. After April, the Girouxs will continue to sell back issues through mail order and eBay.
"We want all of you to know that this isn't a 'going out of business' scenario, but a Celebration of Retirement!" they wrote. "Comic books are still a valuable and viable entertainment form and we will miss it greatly, but as stated in the beginning of this missive, it's time."
After almost four decades in the business, they explained, they felt they needed a little less retail responsibility and more time for traveling and their new grandchild, due in June.
They added: "There will always be a comic book market, so for anyone that has always wanted to own their own comic book business, from Millennials to Generation Y'ers to Z'ers, then live your dream. Just do it."