HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bookends, a longtime downtown Hutchinson bookstore, has announced it will close its doors after 13 years at 123 N. Main St.
In a Facebook post, owners Wes and Gwen Bartlett cited financial challenges and changing reading habits as the reason for the closure.
“Financially, we can no longer continue to supplement the store's income from our personal finances,” the post read. “Economic conditions and the increased use of technology devices to read has made it impossible to continue.”
The store will remain open until all inventory is sold. A 50% discount is being offered on books, and the owners estimate it will take three to six months to liquidate the remaining books, furniture and shelving.
Bookends was founded by the Bartletts and has served as a local hub for book lovers since opening.