What to know
- ABC Books at 662 Yonge St. is closing on Oct. 30 after more than 50 years in Toronto, with the store currently offering 50 per cent off everything.
- The used bookstore first opened on Yonge Street in 1970 and moved to its current Church-Wellesley location in 1988, becoming known for used books, comics, magazines and other media.
- Owner Patrick Hempelmann cited the rising cost of operating the business as the reason for the closure, while customers have shared their disappointment over losing the neighbourhood bookstore.
- ABC Books isn’t disappearing completely. A new location is planned at 244 Queen St. W. near John Street, though it’s unclear whether it will operate separately or as part of the existing BMV Books location.
A staple used bookstore in Toronto’s Church-Wellesley neighbourhood is clearing out its shelves with a storewide 50 per cent off sale ahead of its closure later this month.
ABC Books, located at 662 Yonge St., is expected to close its doors this month after more than five decades in business.
The announcement was made through an Instagram post by the Annex neighbourhood’s BMV, as well as a sign in the shop’s window.
The bookstore first opened on Yonge Street in 1970, before moving to its current location in 1988. The store is part of BMV Books and is known for its shelves of used books, comics, magazines, and other media.
For many residents nearby, the store was a convenient stop, or a way to spend their day.
“I go here almost weekly and always find a new read, sadly won’t be able to do that anymore,” one longtime customer commented on Instagram.
“Loved that store; bought a lot of stuff, very sad,” another wrote.
“Oh no, that’s a shame – the last used bookstore on that stretch!” one resident added.
BMV Books owner Patrick Hempelmann told other media outlets that the reason for the store’s closure was due to the cost of operating the business.
According to advocacy and policy initiative website commercialrent.ca, the cost of rent for a typical 1,000-square-foot business with 3 employees, for example, has jumped considerably over the last five years – up 142 per cent.
The website added that a jump like that could lead to a Toronto business having to spend an additional $5,534 annually, minus any business insurance, electricity, or employment costs.
ABC Books finds a new home in Queen West
Luckily, the brand won’t be shuttered for good, as it’s preparing to open another ABC Books near Queen Street West and John Street, at 244 Queen St. W.
BMV Books already operates at this location.
It’s unconfirmed whether ABC Books will continue as its own separate store or whether it will be combined with the existing BMV Books location.
Before the closures, shoppers have a chance to stock up while books are cheap.
BMV Books promoted the sale on Instagram, joking that nobody wants to move heavy boxes of books, magazines and comics.
Book lovers looking to browse the store can take advantage of the half-off sale at 662 Yonge St.
Now Toronto confirmed though a phone call with staff that the Church-Wellesley ABC Books location is expected to close on Oct. 31.
