Midtown bookstore offering 25 percent off most of its inventory.
UPDATE (Jan. 26, 2012): Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse permanently closes; it will not relocate as planned
Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse, a landmark on the corner of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue since 1993, is closing, according to Midtown Patch.
The bookstore sent an email to patrons Monday announcing it would close.
“As you may know, we have been challenged by changes in the book industry and the downturn in the economy,” according to the email. “At this time, we regret to share with you that the lease at our current location will soon be coming to an end.”
Outwrite said it will relocate.
“The good news is that we’re looking for a new location that will allow Outwrite to continue serving you as Atlanta’s LGBT bookstore and coffeeehouse.”
Beginning today, the Midtown bookstore is having a 25 percent off sale on most of its inventory. It will hold an 18th Anniversary party on Saturday December 3.
Developing…
13 Responses
The GA Voice reported this story two hours before Midtown Patch. Just sayin’…
What a shame ..
This is extremely sad news, but this isn’t the first time Outwrite has moved. They started out at Midtown Promenade before moving to 10th and Piedmont. So while that intersection will lose some of its gay luster, “it will survive” (lol). Where they should move I don’t know. I’ve heard some say East Atlanta, but I don’t see them moving that far. I’ve thought maybe Ansley Mall, but I don’t think the rent there would be any more reasonable. Maybe somewhere in Old Fourth Ward?
I hate to see any business close down, especially a gay business in the heart of midtown, however, I’m not too sad to see Outwrite leave. When I first moved to Atlanta ten years ago, I hung out at Outwrite two or three days a week and bought books, coffee, cookies, etc. It was a great place for me to meet people in a new city. Unfortunately, Mr. Rafshoon (sp?) reacted so unprofessionally to two incidents that took place when I just happened to be there, have caused me to boycott Outwrite and never return. In one of those incidents, another customer and I were both standing near a shelf checking out CDs when a huge picture fell off the wall and the frame broke into many pieces. Neither of us were close enough to the picture to cause it to fall off the wall, nor did we touch it, yet we were both yelled at by Mr. Rafshoon and called “morons” for ignoring the “DO NOT TOUCH” sign on the wall. It turns out the nail holding up the picture just gave out, yet no apology was ever given to the other customer or myself. I was also present for another incident where coffee was spilled all over the counter by the customer that ordered it, and Mr. Rafshoon said a few unkind words, again, and insulted the customer (and the rest of us in the bookstore).
So, I’m not too sad to see this place go. I hope something else that really is gay “friendly” will open in its place that I won’t have to avoid or tell my friends to avoid. Wherever you end up going, Outwrite, remember that word of mouth travels quickly and that you lost dozens of potential customers from your rude behavior. Maybe you were in a bad mood during those days and you’re really not that type of person, but it definitely costs you several dollars from this former customer and his friends.
As a gay man, I’ve never found the staff of Outwrite to be particularly inviting or warm. I won’t miss it.
Great real estate that should be filled easily…although, given the demographic of that particular corner, it’s hard to believe they could find a better spot.
Amsterdam Walk would be the best place to relocate:
1) Near Amsterdam, a gay bar
2) Near Bellisima, a lesbian bar
3) Near Urban Body Fitness, a pretty gay gym
4) Near Piedmont Bark, an arguably gay dog boarding business
5) Parking, something they don’t have now
I think they will remain where they are. I’ll bet the landlord relents on the rent. Outwrite’s a great tenant with national name recognition. But, if they do more, I’d vote for Ansley Mall or Amsterdam Walk. Both have been struggling as of late, and both have begun reinvigoration strategies. This could tip either toward success.
What do I want in place of Outwrite? A local grocery store that emphasizes meal-to-meal items (not weekly shopping or bargains) with a high-quality take-out prepared foods section. This would feature a chef whose offerings would change daily, making the location a “take out destination of choice.” It needs to have a decidedly gay-friendly coffee counter area that caters to the young people who consistently found Outwrite a friendly place to hang out.
“I’d vote for Ansley Mall or Amsterdam Walk. Both have been struggling as of late”
Um, maybe Amsterdam Walk has been struggling but have you been to Ansley Mall lately? If that place is struggling then we’re all screwed.
Oh yeah, Amsterdam Walk! Outwrite would be a great fit for a shopping center that bills itself as quirky and unique. The location is more off the beaten path, but Outwrite’s going to have a tough time finding an affordable signature corner like the one they’ve had.
JonC — yes, I’d say Ansley is struggling. The stores on the outside perimeter are probably doing OK, though there are some vacancies. The center courtyard is desolate, though.
Doesn’t look like Ansley is hurting to me. Of the 175k of leasable space only 13k is available currently. Keep in mind that the center hallway of Ansley features backdoors for many of the shops that front Monroe.
UPDATE (Jan. 26, 2012): Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse permanently closes; it will not relocate as planned: http://whatnowatlanta.com/2012/01/26/outwrite-bookstore-coffeehouse-permanently-closes-will-not-relocate-as-planned/
–cjs