Majerek’s Readers World closes
Published 12:33 pm Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Majerek's Readers World, in downtown Niles, has closed, but most of its contents are being consolidated into Majerek's Gift Shoppe, located a few doors to the north on Main Street. Daily Star file photo
Majerek’s Reader’s World in downtown Niles has closed its doors.
Owner Tom Majerek said he is in the process of consolidating the bookstore into Majerek’s Gift Shoppe, located a couple doors away at 213 E. Main St.
The gift shop/book store, Majerek’s Newsstand, will feature books, magazines, gifts and cards.
“We decided to combine all the products people expect from Majerek’s in the past to be in one location,” Majerek said. “We opened up (Majerek’s Readers World) about three years ago in the hope that we, Niles, could support two shops, and with all the overhead, one shop is what we can support.”
Majerek’s Newsstand will still offer new releases, bestsellers, books for children and young adults, special orders and the “area’s largest selection of magazines.”
Majerek said they are cutting out all used and sale books. However, those products will now be sold in the Four Flags Antique Mall.
Majerek said people could still purchase items from the bookstore while they are transitioning into the gift shop, a process expected to take about one week.
“We believe that we had a good attractive store with good products, it is just a tough economy and it is difficult to maintain it,” Majerek said. “We appreciate all customers that did support us and we are looking forward to seeing them all at the new store, and the combined store.”
Open space, new opportunity
Majerek plans to open a new store devoted to local products in the space that used to house Majerek’s Reader’s World.
He described the new store, which has the working title “United Niles,” as a local co-op where local people could sell their products.
“We are trying to create a shop for the people by the people,” Majerek said. “It won’t be a flea market or a farm market. It will be a nice retail shopping experience with local gifts, food products, arts, crafts — anything that is being made in the Niles area.”
Majerek said he’d also like the store to be an information hub for events happening in Niles, and a place where people can purchase tickets to local events.
Majerek doesn’t know when the new store will open. He said he hopes to get ideas from people interested in being part of the co-op.
Interested parties can contact Majerek’s Newsstand at (269) 683-1689.
