New Owners Give New Hope to Edgartown Icon
Janet Hefler reports in the Martha's Vineyard Times that Edgartown Books on Main Street will reopen its doors under new ownership at 9 am on Friday, May 25. Jeffrey and Joyce Sudikoff of Los Angeles closed on the purchase of the business and building last Friday. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Mr. Sudikoff was the founder and chief executive officer of IDB Communications Group Inc., and a former part owner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team. He and his wife own a home in Edgartown, where they have been summer residents since the 1970's.
The Sudikoffs hired Susan Mercier, the former manager of Edgartown Books, as their new manager.
"I'm just so happy for the town and for the Island," Ms. Mericer said in a phone call with The Times on Friday. "They are so in tune with the needs of a small community and what an important role an independent bookstore plays in that."
Ms. Mercier left her position as manager in 2010 for personal reasons. "I left a piece of my heart in that bookstore," she said. "I'm excited that most of the booksellers are coming back, so it will be the same incredible staff that I get to work with and spend my days with."
In January, Edgartown Book's former owners David and Ann LeBreton announced plans to sell the store and operated it for limited hours this spring. The LeBretons bought the bookstore formerly known as Bickerton & Ripley a decade ago, after its 20-year business life in a smaller Main Street space.
Ms. Mercier said the bookstore is getting a facelift this week, with new paint inside and out. As for inventory, she added, "We're not changing anything now, but we will be carrying periodicals, and we hope to start a delivery service and other services in the store."
2 comments:
The rival "Bunch of Grapes" bookstore in Vineyard Haven is at this writing moving to the former "Bowl and Board" building across the street. All of the stock will be on one level rather than located in the old two-story space. Articles in the "Vineyard Gazette" and "the Martha's Vineyard Times" have announced the closing of the book store this month for the move. Opening in the new quarters is less than a month away.
The book store in the old building with the clock in front has been acclaimed nationally and internationally. On her trips to Martha's Vineyard to do research Joan Druett has been the speaker in the continuing series of author presentations at the shop. I hope that the store in its new location will continue to earn its accolades and to sponsor its speakers' program.
Both the closing of the "Bowl and Board" offering wooden furniture and kitchen and serving articles and the movement of the "Bunch of Grapes" have financial reasons at the heart of the matter.
Delighted to hear that the wonderful Bunch of Grapes still flourishes. I have spent many hours browsing there, as well as giving presentations. A highly recommended pause for visitors to the lovely island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
I would welcome updates to post on my blog. Send the links to newspaper articles to druettjo@yahoo.com.au
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