Loyal customers are making their final visits to Woody’s Newsstand, the bookstore and café that began writing its first chapter 81 years ago.
“Everything’s discounted. Everything’s for sale. All my fixtures. The first thing I sold was my popcorn machine,” Manager Kimberly Bode said.
According to Bode, a decrease in sales, changes in distributors and the digital age we live in are all factors in the owner’s decision to close up shop.
“I kind of felt it was just a matter of time before this was going to happen,” she said. “These racks used to be so full and when we used to put up magazines weekly we could hardly squeeze another magazine in.”
Bode made it clear that Woody’s Newsstand was more than just a place for people to come spend their money.
“I think it’s a real loss to the community. I mean it’s a real hub for so many of us in different ways,” long-time customer Cathy Paschall said.
Bode is used to seeing the same faces during the 17 years she’s managed the store.
“I meet them when they’re not married, then they get married, and then they have a baby, and next thing you know they’re graduating from high school,” she said.
Paschall is heartbroken.
“It’s really going to be a void in this area. I mean people from the courthouse come, people just walking by,” she said.
Bode said she doesn’t know what will take its place, but the end of this month will mark the final chapter for Woody’s Newsstand.
“This is all about building community and it’s really sad when we start seeing the brick and mortars go away,” she added.
