Dubuque Bookstore to Have a Second Edition

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As the six founding partners of 17-year-old River Lights Bookstore in Dubuque, Iowa, prepare to close the store and dissolve their partnership on May 31, one of those partners, Sue Davis, is preparing to open River Lights, 2nd Edition on June 1. The 2nd Edition will open in a new location, with new fixtures, inventory, POS system, and sidelines. What will remain the same, said Davis, is the same great staff, the phone number, and the square footage -- 2,000 square feet. One of her former partners will continue to work at the store as a part-time employee.

Davis told BTW that the move coincides with the expiration of the River Lights' current lease in a strip mall, and the remaining partners' desire to change their lifestyles. They are looking toward retirement, travel, or increased family time, she explained.

"I am continuing [River Lights'] tradition in our community," Davis said. "[River Lights, 2nd Edition] is located in the newly restored downtown area of the city. There are a number of independent stores opening there; it's called The Thousand Block of Main."

Davis described the store's new site as one of the area's many "charming older buildings with tin ceilings," in a business district of 6,000 working people and a younger demographic. To accommodate the store's new customer base, Davis will sharpen the store's business focus. A delivery service and extra staff during the lunch hour are part of her plans as is an adjustment in the inventory to better serve the community. Cross-promotions with other businesses in the district are also in Davis' new business model. --Nomi Schwartz


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