Except for residential housing, this business is truly located in the middle of nowhere. In 1954 the first Old Favourites Bookshop location became 36 Yonge St, Toronto. After years of operating in various locations it was decided to move out of the downtown area to save on overhead and maintain its low prices. In 1994 they move to a historic general store in the small hamlet of Green River just 32 minutes from downtown Toronto. The shop itself occupies a niche in merchandising history. One of Canada's foremost chain store magnates got his start here. He was C.L. Burton who went from his father's general store at Green River to become president of Simpson's from the 1920's to the 1950's. If you get the chance to visit the old store you'll be walking through the same front doors they did in the late 1800's.
That is nice such an old business and still going strong.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a shop in a western. Real old one Andy.
ReplyDeleteI love a classic, old bookstore. (The satellite dish mounted to the side of the building is an unfortunate modern day touch.) I wonder what their inventory is like…being located in the middle of nowhere. They must have loyal customers to stay in business for so many years.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea, Andy! I'll have to check this out on a map.
ReplyDeleteMore and more there are less and less of these wonderful businesses. I am fortunate to have one nearby who deals in used paperbacks only. You "buy" one at 70% of the retail price and then get that money back in credit when you return the books. That credit you build up applies towards your next "purchase". A great system.
ReplyDeleteBook stores, record stores... both becoming quite rare! Enjoyed this, Andy.
ReplyDeleteI like the rustic siding.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed by the history of this store.
ReplyDeleteI do like the look of the place.
ReplyDeleteWow. What history! Love it.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how that worked out for them. I don't think one can compare the Yonge Street location with this isolated location.
ReplyDeleteThat was a pretty bold move but if they're still operating they must have some kind of (loyal, probably) following. Great history! It looks like a good place to browse.
ReplyDeleteI've passed this place many times but have never gone in. Shame on me! I MUST check it out.
ReplyDeleteI was a regular visitor for over twenty years when they had their downtown location. Unfortunately, as I don't drive and know few people who do, I have only managed to visit their Locust Hill location once. I miss regular Saturday afternoons spent browsing their stock. I still have many of the books I purchased there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog and photograph of our store, Andy!
ReplyDeleteMoving from our downtown location at 250 Adelaide St. West to our small little rural store was a big change for us, and a considerable drop in our walk in customers (to say the least). Luckily it was the late 1990's and the internet came along. Between the drop in our overhead, our loyal customers we aqquired since 1954 and the new growing income from internet sales we were able to continue operating.
We are very proud of the history of our location in Green River and the history of our local area, we not only have the book shop here our family has lived and farmed in this area for over 50 years.
Thanks for the comments and please come visit us, we are planning some renovations and big changes in the near future.
Please feel free to contact us at books@oldfavs.com or visit us at www.oldfavs.com and on twitter @oldfavorites