Less than a month after University Village’s Barbara’s Bookstore closed its doors, citing weak sales and poor foot traffic, a Chicago-based bookstore chain is moving into the space at 1218 S. Halsted St.

Powell’s Books is getting set to open in the space as soon as March 1, according to store owner Brad Jonas. It would be their third storefront, adding to locations in Hyde Park and Lake View.

“We’re very excited about the university’s commitment to having a bookstore there. They have been very supportive in making sure that area has a store there,” Jonas said. “We think it’s a great opportunity. That community has been underserved for books.”

It’s not his first time opening a shop near the city’s midsection. Powell’s had an outpost not too far away at 828 S. Wabash Ave. in the South Loop in the recent past, but shuttered that location in favor of a larger warehouse on the West Side for online sales. However, Jonas is hoping the University Village location can draw back some of his old South Loop customers.

When Barbara’s announced they were closing the location in January, the chain’s owner, Don Barliant, said that location didn’t have enough foot traffic to be successful. But Jonas said he thinks his shop can get past that.

“I don’t want to speak ill of anybody, but the regular bookstores have had a tough time lately,” he said. “I’m not sure that Barbara’s had a very strong inventory there. We hope to have a pretty sizable inventory there — it’ll be pretty strong.”

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By WeLo from West Loop
Posted: 02/07/2012 11:34 AM

I think this is a good match of merchant to space - Powell's has a good track record. Here's hoping they also cater to students/textbooks, which would make sense.

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By support Chicago bookstores from support Chicago bookstores
Posted: 02/02/2012 10:41 PM

not to talk bad about Barbara's but I hear that they've had problems in the past due to their own issues. How can a REAL college neighborhood not have a bookstore or several. I hope more will follow through out the city. I know Amazon it the thing but there's nothing like spending a Saturday or Sunday with your kids or girlfriend at the bookstore.

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By George from Near West Side
Posted: 02/02/2012 11:06 AM

I am glad. Anything is better than a closed store or a bs pop-up Holloween store.

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By George from Near West Side
Posted: 02/02/2012 11:06 AM

I am glad. Anything is better than a closed store or a bs pop-up Holloween store.