Pages & Peonies, a romance-focused bookstore in Grand Rapids, Mich., will be closing its physical storefront and transitioning to an online and event model, WZZM-TV reported.
Owners Sarah Gramza-Howard and Jess Hodges will close the store this fall and "strictly focus on bookish event-planning," they wrote in an announcement posted to social media. They will continue to run the store's Spicy Pages Book Box subscription and monthly book club meetings, and additional event plans include craft nights and a fall book retreat scheduled for the end of October.
"We've discovered our favorite thing about our business is the opportunity for participating in events that encourage inclusivity within the community, exposure and open-mindedness to the romance genre, and collaborations with other local artists and small businesses," the owners explained. "We're also moving into the next phase of life where we're hoping to expand our families, and we'd like more time and flexibility within our work-life balance."
Hodges and Gramza-Howard will close the physical store after selling through their remaining inventory; they hope to do so sometime next month. The pair opened Pages & Peonies in 2025. Located at 2751 Alpine Ave. NW, the store carried a wide range of romance titles with an emphasis on independent authors.
"It has been a heavy decision to make, but we feel relief knowing the business will continue, we’re just shifting our energies a bit to accommodate ourselves & our families," they wrote. "We’re incredibly grateful to our community and each of our loyal shoppers/visitors/viewers--we love each and every one of you and thank you for the time and support you’ve offered us!"