Turning the page: Offers coming in for iconic City Lights Book Shop
City Lights Book Shop is a holdout in the advancement of time -- but now its owners are ready for change.
'Bookended’ on a block of Richmond Street between York and King streets, the store has been a staple for almost five decades.
It has survived with no online sales presence, just the pencil mark price tags placed on items by its two owners.
But now, Jim Capel and Teresa Tarasewicz say it’s time for them to step away from City Lights.
They’ve listed the building for sale and confirm to CTV News London it can be purchased with or without the business.
The business partners, known simply as 'Teresa and Jim' to customers, bought the store from Canada’s vocal 'Prince of Pot' Marc Emery in 1992.
While Emery went on to make national headlines, and most recently a failed bid to be elected as a candidate for the PPC, his successors say they took a “toned down” approach at City Lights.
Tarasewicz says they choose to let the store become the personality.
Current owners, Teresa Tarasewicz, left, and Jim Capel stand outside City Lights Book Shop in London, Ont. on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
“It is whimsical, magical. Everyone comments on it who has worked here. The place has it’s own life, and it’s just really cool being a part of that.”
Long-time customer Joel Adams agrees. Known for his involvement in all things downtown, Adams says his love for the core began at City Lights, during the vibrant late 80s and early 90s.
“Back in the days of Novack’s, Kingsmills, arcades -- there were the old established stores and the newer ones. It was all really eclectic, but this (City Lights) was the most eclectic in all of downtown.”
Adams says the endless shelves inside the heritage structure display the reasons why.
“There’s always something strange or interesting. You’ll find and discover things you wouldn’t find at any other bookstore.”
Long-time City Lights Book Shop customer Joel Adams is seen inside the store in London, Ont. on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
It is that uniqueness Capel hopes will encourage a new buyer of both the building and the business.
He says interest and offers have already come in for both.
It makes sense, Capel says, because City Lights remains profitable. And while it may not bring in the returns it did 25 years ago, he’s convinced modern social media and marketing -- the partners say they do not have the energy for -- would boost returns.
“Our great hope is that City Lights will go on and continue with someone else at the helm. 'Cause that’s where a lot of the magic happens is right in here.”
Only time will tell if the ‘spell’ of City Lights Book Shop attracts a buyer, but Adams certainly hopes it does.
“It would be great to see one of the oldest and most unique businesses survive past this."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.