Patchouli Joe's Books & Indulgences in Denton, Tex., will close this spring, WFAA reported.
In an announcement posted to the bookstore's website, Patchouli Joe's owners Charlie Forester, Stephanie Forester, Diane Mayes, and Joe Mayes, called the news bittersweet and pointed to the economy as the main reason for the closure.
Economic conditions have "many people hesitant to spend precious dollars on 'luxury' items like books," they wrote. "Costs have risen in just about every aspect of the business and, in those areas where costs have remained stable, even those have become more than we can bear given the decrease in sales." At the same time, changes in the neighborhood, such as a decrease in parking, have contributed to the difficulties.
The store opened in Leander, Tex., in 2019, and relocated to Denton in 2021.
The owners noted that although the closure will allow them to pursue new opportunities and ventures, they will dearly miss the bookstore's staff and especially its customers.
"We've seen graduations and weddings," they wrote. "We've watched people walk through major illnesses and all manner of life events. But all of them stood with us, sometimes even while their knees shook. All of these people have been part of creating the heart and soul that is Patchouli Joe’s.
"But most of all, friends, we want to thank all of you who’ve spent time in the store with us, from the bottom of our hearts. Because of you, we’ve gotten to know what it's like to feel loved and welcomed by a community--by you. Thank you seems insufficient but here goes anyway: Thank you."
They are eyeing March 31 as a tentative closing date.