Northshire Bookstore, with locations in Manchester Center, Vt., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has announced a change in its ownership structure. In a Facebook post yesterday, the Northshire said that Cathleen Ihasz, Nicole Ihasz and Ashley Ihasz-Austin have acquired a majority interest in, and will be the new managing members of, the business. They assumed stewardship and operational control of both stores, as well as Northshire.com, the e-commerce site, effective September 26.
"With the recent passing of his partner and wife Lu French, Clark French will be stepping back from his roles at the Northshire to focus on family," the announcement noted, adding that he will remain a stakeholder in the bookstore and "continue to serve as a trusted advisor and supporter through this transition and onward. Newly appointed director of operations Scott Austin will join Cathleen, Nicole and Ashley in support of the talented and long-standing senior management team and dedicated staff."
The Northshire Bookstore was founded in 1976 by Edward and Barbara Morrow. Chris Morrow, their son, later joined the business and became a co-owner. The Frenchs purchased Northshire from the Morrow family in April 2021.
"Bookstores are places of solace joy and energy and enthusiasm," Clark French told the Manchester Journal. "After several months thinking about this, I'm not the correct steward to convey that and take care of our customers and our staff in the proper way. The Ihasz famly, whom I've known for many years... [is] going to step into our shoes and run the stores the same way they have been run. There's no change in anything. It's really not a sale."
Part of the southern Vermont community for decades, the Ihasz family continue to maintain their family residence in Danby. The three sisters attended Manchester area schools, "love books and reading, have the fondest memories of the bookstore, and want to preserve the Northshire’s iconic legacy for future generations," the announcement said. "The sisters are uniquely positioned to combine their personal experiences and their strong collective business capabilities to maintain and expand the offerings of these independent bookstores. We thank you in welcoming this new team to the Northshire Bookstore family."