The Quill & Quire is reporting that a former manager Kitsilano’s Duthie Books – Ria Bluemer – plans to open a new bookstore in Kits as early as this fall.
“We had just lost our jobs, and when we received our notice, I immediately started taking action to pursue the establishment of a new bookstore,” says Bleumer.
Although the lease has not yet been finalized, a retail space has already been chosen. The new store, called Sitka Books & Art, will be 3,500 square feet – slightly larger than the old Duthie’s location. According to Bleumer, the name comes from the Sitka Spruce, a type of tree known to grow quickly at a young age and live for up to 700 years; her hope is that those same characteristics of rapid growth and longevity will apply to the store, too.
While the new store will primarily be a book store, she also plans to sell unique art and crafts from local artists. According to Bleumer, Sitka Books & Art will employ about five staffers, some of whom will be former Duthie’s employees.
Interesting choice of names as Sitka Surfboards JUST opened a location at 1864 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano.
Last modified: March 11, 2010
