Canadian bookseller Black Bond Books has moved its Semiahmoo Mall store in South Surrey, B.C., to a 2,000-square-foot space within the mall, expanding its footprint by 500 square feet. The store reopened Saturday "after a grueling week of moving down the mall," according to Cathy Jesson, owner of Black Bond Books and Book Warehouse.
"Amid all the gloom and uncertainty, opportunity knocked," she said. "We were offered a beautiful larger location for the same rent. The result is fabulous. I continue to think bookstores are a coveted tenant for landlords. Use this to your advantage during this time. Our customers are so supportive and the feeling of localism has never been stronger. I wish us all success in these very tough times."
Jesson is also one of the 12 booksellers comprising the founding board of the new Canadian Independent Booksellers Association, which she described as "one of the best things that I have been part of in years. An amazing, thoughtful group led by Doug Minett. Without Doug, I doubt it would have become a reality. Doug had recently retired and offered his boundless energy and knowledge to our cause. I love that the board covers Canada coast to coast. I look forward to Canadian indies having a voice."
Looking to the future in uncertain times, Jesson observed: "I thought I had seen it all in my 40-plus years as a bookseller/entrepreneur. Clearly I had not. It has been amazing to see how much value book buyers see in their neighborhood bookstore. We hear all the time the worry for our survival. For now, for us, we are feeling cautiously optimistic."