Vroman’s Bookstore announced it will close its Hastings Ranch location later this year, as the iconic Pasadena landmark continues looking for new ownership at its flagship Colorado Boulevard site.
The Hasting Ranch bookstore, at 3729 E Foothill Blvd., will open for the final time on Sunday, May 12, Vroman’s announced on Facebook, after they were unable to reach a new lease agreement at the location.
“While this development is unexpected and disappointing, we are most disheartened by the impact on our co-workers,” the post said of the Hasting Ranch bookstore’s dozen employees. “Their dedication and hard work made that store successful, and we are forever grateful.”
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The announcement comes two months after owner Joel Sheldon announced he would retire and look to sell the business — which includes Book Soup in West Hollywood, purchased in 2009 — after 45 years at the helm. However the post emphasized that the closure was due to rising occupancy expenses and would not affect the sale or Vroman’s flagship bookstore.
“Rest assured, our Colorado Boulevard location is secure and the search for the right new ownership continues,” the post read. “As always, we greatly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve you at our Colorado Boulevard location in the months and years to come.”
While no buyer has been identified, Sheldon has said he won’t sell to a national chain. Employees at the Hastings Ranch store, which has operated for more than 20 years, said they haven’t seen an increase in traffic since the announcement.
Paul Little, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce CEO, said commercial landlords have for the most part held off raising rent throughout the pandemic, but with property owners now seeking to recoup COVID-era losses businesses like Vroman’s and the Il Fornaio are feeling the effects.
“Vroman’s, even more than other businesses, cannot raise prices to offset the increases,” Little said. “They face unrelenting competition from online booksellers and the price of each book is printed on the cover, so raising prices above that level is virtually impossible.”