The oldest impartial bookstore firm within the Bay Space mentioned Tuesday it has filed for chapter.
Books Inc. introduced it filed a voluntary petition for reorganization below Chapter 11 in U.S. Chapter Court docket for the Northern District of California.
The privately held, 174-year-old firm mentioned in a press release it’s going to use the protections of Chapter 11 reorganization “to continue operating while it establishes a sustainably solid financial footing in response to annual revenue losses.”
Books Inc. mentioned the reorganization is important due to “steadily rising operating costs and dramatically changing consumer buying habits” exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The brand new technique includes closing the Berkeley retailer on Feb. 9 and shifting some employees to positions on the firm’s remaining 10 places throughout the East Bay, the Peninsula and San Francisco and San Francisco Worldwide Airport places.
“Books Inc. is not going away,” the corporate’s CEO Andy Perham mentioned within the assertion. “Our board, investors, senior managers and key partners agree that reorganizing with the tools afforded us by Chapter 11 is the fastest path toward putting our company on a smaller, financially stronger platform from which we can continue our long legacy of serving California readers.”
A message on the Books Inc. web site on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, alerts prospects to the corporate’s chapter submitting. The Bay Space’s oldest impartial bookseller plans to shut its Berkeley location because it makes an attempt to reorganize below Chapter 11 chapter safety. (Screenshot by way of booksinc.internet)
Perham mentioned, “The experience and dedication of our booksellers and management is the foundation on which we feel confident in our ability to transition Books Inc. to its next successful era.”
The corporate hopes loyal prospects will assist the corporate bounce again from chapter.
“Support from Books Inc.’s customers, communities and business partners has been incredible,” Perham mentioned. “The best thing that people can do to help Books Inc. quickly get through this challenging time is to come in the store and buy books, or order from us online. Our booksellers will continue to do their very best to provide readers with a vibrant, enriching and fun experience.”
Apart from the Berkeley retailer, all different Books Inc. places will stay operational, pending court docket approval of a proposed reorganization plan by the corporate that seeks to consolidate its variety of bodily retail shops.
The www.booksInc.internet web site will proceed to function and fulfill orders as regular. The corporate’s frequent reader program and associated advantages will proceed with out interruption.
Prospects with reward playing cards bought on the Berkeley retailer will be capable of use them at any of the corporate’s different shops or on-line.
