Vroman’s Bookstore, a historic independent bookstore in Pasadena, is up for sale, along with Book Soup in West Hollywood. Established in 1895, Vroman’s is the oldest bookstore in Southern California and has been under the same family’s ownership for over a century. The current owner, Joel Sheldon, who is approaching his 80th birthday, announced his intention to sell, citing the need for new ownership with a vision and commitment to guide the store into the future. Sheldon expressed optimism for the future of Vroman’s, acknowledging the change in ownership as a time of uncertainty but also as an opportunity for growth and excitement in the community.
Table of Contents
Overview
This comprehensive article discusses the recent announcement that Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, along with Book Soup in West Hollywood, is up for sale. The article explores the background information of these historic bookstores, the current owner’s intent to sell, the importance of new ownership, the locations for sale, employee information, the history of Vroman’s Bookstore, the book Soup unionization, and the financial struggles faced by these bookstores during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background Information
Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena
Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena is a historic independent bookstore that has been under the ownership of the same family for over a century. Established in 1895, it has become a community hub and a beloved institution for both locals and visitors. Notable customers have included Presidents Clinton and Carter, as well as literary figures Ray Bradbury and Joan Didion.
Book Soup in West Hollywood
Book Soup in West Hollywood, founded in 1975, is another iconic bookstore that holds a special place in the community. It has been a gathering spot for book lovers and has attracted a diverse clientele.
Current Owner’s Intent to Sell
Joel Sheldon’s retirement
Joel Sheldon, the current owner of Vroman’s Bookstore, is nearing his 80th birthday and has decided to retire after almost 50 years of leading the establishment. This decision has prompted him to put both Vroman’s Bookstore locations and Book Soup up for sale.
Announcement on social media
Joel Sheldon made the announcement of his intent to sell on the store’s social media accounts. He expressed the need for new ownership with a vision, energy, and commitment necessary to take the bookstores successfully into the future. Sheldon acknowledges that this change in ownership brings some uncertainty but remains optimistic and excited about what lies ahead for Vroman’s and its community.
Importance of New Ownership
Vision, energy, and commitment
The importance of new ownership for Vroman’s Bookstore and Book Soup cannot be overstated. The bookstores have a rich history and cultural significance, and the new owners must bring the vision, energy, and commitment needed to carry on that legacy. They will be responsible for preserving these establishments as community treasures and ensuring their continued success.
Impact on the future and community
The impact of new ownership extends beyond the bookstores themselves. Vroman’s Bookstore and Book Soup have long been gathering places for book lovers and members of the community. The new owners will play a vital role in shaping the future of these spaces and their continued contribution to the community.
Locations for Sale
Vroman’s flagship Colorado Boulevard location
The flagship location of Vroman’s Bookstore on Colorado Boulevard is one of the locations being put up for sale. This location has been at the heart of Pasadena since its establishment in 1895 and has played a significant role in the city’s cultural and literary landscape.
Vroman’s in Pasadena’s Hastings Ranch shopping center
The Vroman’s Bookstore located in Pasadena’s Hastings Ranch shopping center is also being sold. This location has been a part of the community for years, serving as a convenient neighborhood bookstore for residents.
Book Soup in West Hollywood
Book Soup, a beloved bookstore in West Hollywood, is the third location being offered for sale. Known for its storied history and diverse clientele, Book Soup has been a cultural landmark in the community for almost five decades.
Employee Information
Number of employees
Vroman’s Bookstore on Colorado Boulevard has 123 employees, while the Hastings Ranch location has 13 employees, and Book Soup has 18 employees. The new ownership is committed to maintaining the workforce and ensuring a smooth transition for all employees.
Desire for new ownership to reflect core values
The current owner, Joel Sheldon, emphasizes the desire for the new owners to reflect the core values of the bookstores. These values include a commitment to the community and a passion for literature and knowledge. The new ownership should preserve the unique atmosphere and traditions that have made these bookstores beloved by employees and customers alike.
History of Vroman’s Bookstore
Year of establishment (1895)
Vroman’s Bookstore was established in 1895 by Adam Clark Vroman, an ex-railroad worker, bibliophile, and photographer. The bookstore quickly became a community hub in Pasadena, attracting notable customers and becoming an essential part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Founder (Adam Clark Vroman)
Adam Clark Vroman, the founder of Vroman’s Bookstore, had a passion for books and a keen understanding of his customers’ needs. He built the bookstore on Colorado Boulevard and created a space where book lovers could come together, explore, and connect.
Community hub and notable customers
Vroman’s Bookstore has served as a community hub throughout its history. It has welcomed well-known literary figures, such as Ray Bradbury and Joan Didion, as well as political leaders like Presidents Clinton and Carter. The bookstore has always been a place where people from all walks of life can gather and share their love of literature.
Book Soup Unionization
Book Soup’s unionization in 2022
In 2022, employees at Book Soup joined the wave of independent bookstore unionizations in California. They sought wage increases, additional staffing, disability access, fair distribution of labor, greater transparency from leadership, and democratic decision-making in the workplace.
Desires and concerns of unionized employees
Unionized employees at Book Soup expressed their desires for fair treatment, better working conditions, and a voice in the decision-making process. They seek a workplace that values their contributions and prioritizes the well-being of its employees.
Current status of negotiations
As of the time of this article, the unionized employees at Book Soup were still negotiating with Joel Sheldon and the store’s management. The progress and outcome of the negotiations were not explicitly mentioned but may impact the future direction of the bookstore.
Financial Struggles and COVID-19
Impact of recession and lockdowns
Vroman’s Bookstore and Book Soup faced financial struggles brought on by a recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges resulted in financial pressures and required the stores to adapt their operations to continue serving customers during lockdowns and restrictions.
Vroman’s continued operation during the pandemic
Despite the financial strain caused by the pandemic, Vroman’s Bookstore continued to operate to minimize losses. The commitment to providing a safe and accessible space for book lovers remained at the forefront, even during these difficult times.
No explicit reference to unionizing efforts
While the financial struggles faced by the bookstores were acknowledged, no explicit reference was made to unionizing efforts as a factor in the decision to sell. The sale of the bookstores appears to be driven by the owner’s retirement and the desire to secure a new ownership with the necessary vision and commitment.
Conclusion
The upcoming sale of Vroman’s Bookstore and Book Soup marks a significant transition for two historic independent bookstores in the Los Angeles area. The new owners will bear the responsibility of preserving the legacy of these cultural institutions and shaping their future. The importance of reflecting core values, supporting employees, and maintaining the unique atmosphere that has made these bookstores beloved cannot be overstated. Both Vroman’s Bookstore and Book Soup have played vital roles in their respective communities, and the choice of new ownership will impact not only the bookstores themselves but the cultural fabric of Pasadena and West Hollywood as well.
Related site – Pasadena’s historic Vroman’s bookstore up for sale, along with Book Soup