Duthie Books

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Duthie Books was a chain of bookstores operating in Vancouver from 1957-2010.

History

Duthie Books was founded by Bill Duthie in 1957. [1] The stores were run by his three children – Cathy, Celia, and David – following his death in 1984. [2] The first store opened on Robson Street near the public library.

The shop had then expanded to locations on W. 10th Avenue, Seymour Street, Hastings Street, and the Arbutus Village by the time of Duthie's death. [3] A series of expansions through the 1990s led to a peak of ten shops [4] throughout the city, but also left the bookseller in poor financial condition.

The company declared bankruptcy in 1999. [5] A single store remained open at 2239 West 4th Avenue, which closed in January 2010, causing widespread commentary about the death of this landmark [6] Vancouver book store. [7]

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References

  1. "Duthie books to close". www.theglobeandmail.com. Retrieved 2018-11-21.
  2. "Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award". www.bcbookprizes.ca. Retrieved 2017-06-11.
  3. "The History of Metropolitan Vancouver - 1984 Chronology". www.vancouverhistory.ca. Retrieved 2017-06-11.
  4. Lorimer, Rowland (June 2002). "Communication in print: the current state of Canada's book and magazine industries". Canadian Issues. Montreal: 19–24.
  5. "Independent bookstore Duthie Books set to close". Georgia Straight Vancouver's News & Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2017-06-11.
  6. "Reflections on Duthie Books". 2010. Retrieved 2018-11-21.
  7. Stueck, Wendy (2010). "Duthie Books to close" . Retrieved 2017-06-11.

Coordinates: 49°16′5″N123°9′23″W / 49.26806°N 123.15639°W / 49.26806; -123.15639