Amazon Opening Bookstore in Chicago

 

Amazon's bookstore in Seattle

Amazon is planning to open a bricks-and-mortar bookstore in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, the Tribune reported, adding that "the store, targeted to open next year, will be at 3443 N. Southport Ave., the former location of the now-closed Mystic Celt bar and restaurant."

"We are excited to be bringing Amazon Books to Southport in Chicago," company spokeswoman Deborah Bass said. The online retailer currently operates an Amazon Books store in Seattle, Wash., and has previously announced plans for locations in San Diego , Calif., and Portland, Ore.

Reaction to the news is not all positive: "Replacing a locally owned restaurant with an outpost of the most valuable retailer in the world--worth an estimated $250 billion--could disappoint neighbors who want to keep the Southport Corridor diverse," DNAinfo Chicago commented.

Shelf Awareness