Another one bites the dust ...

Bummer. I've not patronized it much ever (not reading/speaking any foreign languages) but Europa Books at 832 N. State St. has posted signs that it is closing, and is clearing out their stock at (up to? - I read the sign from across the street) 70% off.

It's been there a long time, and I'll certainly miss "window shopping" on my way past ... it was always fun to see foreign versions of kids books I'd had, or other things I recognized.

Figured I'd let folks in here know in case you want to stock up on French/Spanish/German/etc. books.

 

Nooooooo!!!!!

I'd better run by and stock up on some Italian books and magazines.

What I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around is that what's replacing the late, lamented Europa Books is a nail salon. There are dozens of nail salons in the neighborhood, and I find it mortifying that this business seems to anticipate that it will make a living in that space, where a much-respected book store couldn't. I, frankly, am amazed at any nail salon is able to make the rent (I must not understand something about the number of sets of nails that can be done for X price over a month given the number of stations in evidence), and it's a harsh slap in the face that one of THOSE can saunter in where a unique (and filling a specific niche) book store died. Bleh.

 

> 3

They're not entirely out of business, BTRIPP. Their warehouse in Skokie is open to the public, and I was told that they are looking to re-open a retail space in about a year, but aren't sure where. I suggested Hyde Park, and the guy I talked to said, "a lot of people have suggested Hyde Park". So we'll see.

At their web site at:

www.schoenhofs.com

Schoenhof's still shows Europa Books at 832 North State Street as their "sister store." Apparently, that is old info.

Schoenhof's info:

Schoenhof's Fulfillment Center, 8124 N. Ridgeway Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076
Toll Free Tel.: 800.277.4645, Fax: 847.676.1195
Monday - Friday, 8.00 AM - 6.00 PM CST

The days and hours aren't overly convenient for working folks.

Also sentimental about that: I purchased German titles when studying at NU. But in the intervening 20+ years, I've probably visited the store once.

Any idea how long this sale / clearance will go on, before they close their doors? I'm not downtown frequently, but if the holidays take me down there I'd make it a point to find my way over.

> 6

It ended September 1. I must say that I made a nice haul of Italian books.

Good for you!

There was no chance of my making it down there, so I won't beat myself up about it.