Chapters' closure could spur comeback for indie shops

The news that the Chapters in the heart of downtown Montreal will close to make way for a Victorias Secret may have some lamenting the death of bookstores.

• Chapters in Montreal to be replaced by Victoria's Secret

However, at least one small-press publisher in Montreal sees it as a ripe opportunity for small, independent bookstores to make a comeback.

Simon Dardick of Montreals Vhicule Press told CBC Daybreak on Thursday that when big-box stores like Chapters moved into the market in the mid-1990s, many small bookstores felt threatened.

Some closed, and others struggled.

The closing of the downtown Montreal Chapters is a sign of the times, Dardick said.

With American book retailers like Borders and Barnes and Noble either going out of business or struggling to compete with the online marketplace, he said the market could become more favourable for smaller businesses and even small chains.

More people than ever are reading, Dardick said.

Theres some room for optimism, he continued. I think this is maybe an opportunity for independents to come back.

Chapters plans for the future

Drew McGowen, vice-president of real estate for Chapters parent company Indigo Books and Music, said customers shouldnt be too put out considering there are only three blocks separating Chapters from Indigos downtown location.

He said consolidating the two stores only made sense.

Right now we have over 60,000 square feet of books, and in the downtown of any metropolis, thats hard to make work, McGowen said.

He said the Indigo store in the Montreal Trust building would expand its English book section, along with its lifestyle and childrens sections.

Chapters Montreal closure is no surprise to the parent company, who have been meeting increased online competition with a wider array of offerings and a competitive online store.

Were in transition but were doing an awful lot in the stores to accommodate that transition. Can you just be a bookstore only and be a bookstore wholly? I dont think so, McGowen said.