The Coles store operated in Prince Albert for more than 38 years. (Glenn Hicks/paNOW Staff)

By Glenn Hicks

closing the book

Long running book store in P.A. shuts down

Jun 2, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The last page has been turned on a retailer that has been in business in Prince Albert since the 1980s.

The doors to the Coles book store in the Gateway Mall will not re-open after they closed as part of the COVID-19 shut down in March. The company said the location was no longer viable.

A sign in front of the store reads, in part, “after more than 38 years in our community, we regret to announce that this location will be closed effective immediately,” while noting the store “had become a place for people to gather and be inspired.”

In an email to paNOW, owners Indigo Books and Music Inc. said they would not be renewing their lease beyond June 2020.

“We are deeply dedicated to the community and look forward to serving our customers at indigo.ca for years to come.”

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Indigo said it evaluates and optimizes its real estate portfolio for all locations on a regular basis, a process that was accelerated due to COVID-19 impacts.

“Due to a variety of business factors, this location was no longer viable,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Elise Hildebrandt, the CEO of the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, called it sad news, adding like many others, was brought up going to Coles book stores for new reading material and other supplies.

“There is something about holding that new book when you can smell it and open it, and I know there’s a lot of people who are part of books clubs – they hold it and discuss it – there’s something about books that’s really hard to replace by a computer,” she said.

Hildebrandt said while “COVID sucks”, she was hopeful in the future someone could fill the void being left by the Coles closure.

“If entrepreneurs are out there and are willing to come out after this [COVID-19] then what an opportunity to try something new,” she said.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow