Paul Collins provides a sad update to last week’s item on Bay Area bookstore closings: Acorn Books is the latest San Francisco store to close down. An interview with owner Joel Chapman has a couple of anecdotes, including this wacky tale: “One day this huge stretch limo pulled up outside and a young dude came in with a secretary in a three-piece suit. They bought a large number of books and paid in cash—I’m sure it was the Mafia.”
He may be sure, but I’m so sure that’s what it was. As for why he’s closing up shop, the website describes it as simple retirement, with no mention of economic downturns, superchains, or online retailers.