Business & Tech

UPDATED: Books Are Back For Birmingham Residents

The Books-A-Million chain's newest store takes over a familiar space for local bookworms just outside the Birmingham border in Beverly Hills.

 

When Borders announced it would close all its stores amid federal bankruptcy proceedings in 2011, many Birmingham-area residents like Kathy Sinclair felt a double-blow, of sorts.

Not only did she and other local bookstore lovers lose the spacious Woodward Avenue store in the city's bustling downtown, but they also lost the quieter and easily-accessible location on Southfield Road, just beyond the Birmingham border in Beverly Hills.

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So Sinclair was understandably thrilled when the Books-A-Million store recently opened its doors for business at that same location.

"This looks like it's a great store," she said at the chain's 'soft' opening last week. "But to me, it's more about a community connection. People want to come into a place and ask for suggestions, look at books and other things and see them for themselves. We saw the sign go up and were just so happy that they're here."

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And representatives with the Alabama-based chain said they are happy to be here.

"We're very excited about this store for several reasons, but this represents a new concept for us with our kids section," said District Manager Juneda Marhevka. "We'll have an activity area for crafts, birthday parties and other activities along with our expansive selection of children's books."

Bookworms and their children will be able to check out the fun at the store's official grand opening Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m. Customers can register for free giveaways and prizes including a Nook HD with case and a Nook HD+ with case during the event, and there are more free giveaways for adults and kids planned throughout the day.

The Cat in the Hat and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz will make appearances for story time, crafts and photo opportunities, and a Lego build session, Star Wars trivia, face painting and free food are also planned.

Marhevka said prizes will be distributed every hour, and that the first 100 children in attendance will receive a free Dr. Seuss lunch bag with lucky winner discovering a $100 gift card. Also, the first 100 adult customers will receive a free BAM bag with one receiving a $200 BAM gift card.

Regular store hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.


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