BookMarx won’t close, owner sorry for ‘fake news’

In a quick reversal, downtown bookstore BookMarx is staying open.

Following the Nov. 8 closure announcement of the 325 E. Walnut St. shop, owner Josh Arnett yesterday said the company “arranged to stay open through the spring … at which point we plan to remain here until the cats reach the age of retirement sometime in the late 21st century.” Cats are known to lounge at the store as customers peruse books.

“I honestly feel terrible about accidentally doing fake news,” Arnett said in a Facebook post. “Me the absolute business genius: Tell the entire city you are closed and then stay open. When I die, study my brain at the Warren Buffett School of Business to learn what to tell students not to do.”

Reached this morning via Facebook Messenger, Arnett said a “surprisingly high level of customer support and convincing arguments for recantation” helped him change his mind on the closure.

A going-out-of-business sale is planned Nov. 30 for another Springfield bookstore as its owners plan to retire. Half Price Books of the Ozarks Inc. owners Kathy and Tom Ross announced the closure plans on Facebook. The Rosses purchased the 1950 S. Glenstone Ave. bookstore in 2002.

Another Springfield bookstore, Uriel’s Unusual Bookstore at 301 E. Commercial St., previously closed this year.

On the other hand, Pagination Bookshop LLC opened for business April 29 at 1150 E. Walnut St., and in Ozark, Word on the Street Books is preparing for a launch.