ABC 'much more than a bookstore'.Dear editor, Re: Group calls for closure of bookstore (November). I am astonished a·ston·ish tr.v. as·ton·ished, as·ton·ish·ing, as·ton·ish·es To fill with sudden wonder or amazement. See Synonyms at surprise. to hear that a committee has recommended the closure (ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. ) because of declining sales. Considering it is the one remaining Christian bookstore in downtown Toronto Downtown Toronto is the heart of the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is approximately bounded by Bloor Street (including areas slightly north of Bloor around Yonge Street) to the north, Lake Ontario to the south, Bayview Avenue - Don Valley Parkway to the east, and Bathurst , if it is not making money, it must be very badly managed indeed. The argument that annoys me the most, quoting Archbishop Andrew Hutchison Andrew Sandford Hutchison L.Th., D.D, D.C.L. (h.c.) (born in Toronto in 1938), is a retired Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. Prior to his election at the General Synod of 2004, he was the bishop of Montreal and metropolitan of the ecclesiastical province of Canada (which, , is that the United Church has closed its downtown bookstore and "doesn't regret it." So? Since when do we just take the United Church's word for it that something is a good idea? Maybe someone should have asked all the members of the United Church who now mourn mourn v. mourned, mourn·ing, mourns v.intr. 1. To feel or express grief or sorrow. See Synonyms at grieve. 2. its loss. But secondly, any retail manager worth his salt would look on a competitor bowing out of the market as an opportunity, not an indication that they might as well give up and follow suit. The ABC is much more than a bookstore. It is gift shop and a music store as well, and a very good one, if you can persevere per·se·vere intr.v. per·se·vered, per·se·ver·ing, per·se·veres To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement. long enough to actually find it in its new subterranean location. A Web site could never replace this store--you could never put every CD, icon, stole, piece of sheet music and hand-made card on the site. ABC is a quiet place to browse. Going to the ABC is like going on a pilgrimage, and well worth it when you get there. How about hiring some retailing expertise, and revitalize it instead of closing it? If you want to update it, call it the ABC Christian Store or Journey to Byzantium or Mecca. If you can't afford the downtown rent, then relocate it somewhere cheaper and give us some parking. But whatever you do, please don't just wimp out on it. Susan Strachan-Johnson Rockwood, Ont. |
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