On May 1, Emily Regnier is buying Cherry Street Books in Alexandria, Minn., from founder Kathleen Pohlig, the Alexandria Echo Press reported.
Pohlig, who opened the store in June 2007 and recently turned 74, said her last day will be April 30, Independent Bookstore Day. She will then officially hand the store over to Regnier and retire. Pohlig told the Echo Press that she plans to stop by the store frequently and is looking forward to spending more time with her family and catching up on vacations that were postponed earlier in the pandemic.
Regnier and her husband are the owners of another business in Alexandria called Ella's Salon. Regnier noted that she had hinted to Pohlig last summer that she would be interested in buying the bookstore, but assumed that would happen much later.
"I am very honored that Kathleen chose me to take over the store. When she asked me late this fall, I was a bit shocked as I thought she had at least five more years until she would retire," Regnier said. "My husband, Paul, knew this was something I was passionate about, so as soon as he said yes, it was a done deal."
Regnier has been spending time in the store, learning the ropes from the current staff, and while she has some minor aesthetic and inventory changes in mind, the name will remain the same. "I have big shoes to fill. Kathleen has done a wonderful job making Cherry Street what it is today. I hope I can make her proud, and I am honored to work alongside her during this purchase."
Pohlig added: "Cherry Street will benefit from a new owner who is younger and who has more energy and new ideas. I am very excited that Emily will be taking over the store as I retire. She has been a friend and bookstore customer for years and is thrilled to begin this new adventure. I know she will bring creativity and energy to the business that will only make it better."