After a long search for the right space for a general bookstore in the Astoria section of Queens, N.Y., Connie Rourke and Lexi Beach signed a lease to open Astoria Bookshop at 31-27 31st Street. The grand opening is slated for mid-August. Just last month they told PW that they were having trouble with lease negotiations. “Our financing is in place, we have investments and loans from family and friends,” said Beach. “[Landlords] don’t think a bookstore is a good business.”
Fortunately Beach and Rourke found a landlord who wants a community bookstore in Astoria. The bookshop will be next door to Petals & Roots. In advance of the opening of the store, Beach and Rourke plan to begin selling physical books and e-books on their Web site. And they’ve already begun booking events for the new space, from cookbook tastings to children’s story hours, writers’ groups, and author signings.
