For those who might be interested, the San Jose Metaphysical Bookstore (located in the sunny Bay Area of Northern California) is currently up for sale. The store has been in operation for over 75 years. (Those who live in the area may wish to attend the 75th birthday celebration this Friday.)I've known 4 sets of owners, and each has made improvements and drawn in a range of new clients. The latest group (a small women's collective) was forced to move the store from the 25+ year location in San Jose when the little strip mall where they had been renting store space for so many years was sold out from under them. The new mall owners soon leveled the place and built very expensive condos.
The current owners of SJM have moved the store to Saratoga and it now has some decent classroom space and a great location. When I contacted two of the owners several weeks ago, they were working to upgrade their online retail presence and updating their events list. But, as we all know, change happens and life sometimes asks us to make left turns. So, if you've ever wanted to own that little bookstore, this may be just the thing for you. (1)
Go well, stay well,
Sia
(1) This is not something one does on a whim. You will a sensible amount of capital, a good credit rating, some experience in customer service and management (and, preferably, experience in retail and/or book sales) and a strong back.
Fair Disclosure: Two of the current owners (and some of the former ones) are friends and colleagues. For many years, this store was a strong a supporter of Full Circle and our charity Witches' Ball (and sold tickets to same). One of the former owners helped us to organize MUSE Camp, and another has served as the Treasurer for Full Circle and is currently one of the Senior Members of the Seamstress Guild.
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