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After more than 20 years of serving book lovers on the Upper East Side, the beloved Shakespeare & Co. at 939 Lexington Avenue, near East 69th Street, is preparing to close its doors. According to owner Dane Neller, the decision comes as the store struggles to keep up with rising rents.
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The bookstore, a neighborhood staple known for its beautifully curated selection and cozy, welcoming atmosphere, recently underwent a renovation and added a cafe offering coffee and pastries. A representative from Shakespeare & Co. told East Side Feed that the store is currently holding a 15% off sale store-wide. While Neller said a closing date is still being finalized, a staff member mentioned over the phone that the store is expected to close around April 15.
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Shakespeare & Co. is also closing its Upper West Side location at 2736 Broadway, near West 105th Street. “For the 105th and Broadway store, we couldn’t achieve the sales we needed to make it viable,” Neller told East Side Feed in an email. The location, which opened in March 2024, will close after just a year in business. A staff member said they are offering a 15% off sale until all inventory is sold and expect to close that store around April 30, though it could be sooner if they sell out.
With these closures, only one Shakespeare & Co. location will remain, at West 69th Street and Broadway. This store marked the brand’s return to the Upper West Side when it opened in 2018. The bright, inviting space continues to host book release events, signings, and open mic nights, as well as gatherings for its own Shakespeare & Co. book club. It also serves freshly brewed coffee, pastries, and wine. Neller told us this location “is thriving.”
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The original Shakespeare & Co. opened in 1983 on West 81st Street and was featured in the film When Harry Met Sally. In one memorable scene, Harry holds a copy of What Jung Really Said by Edward Armstrong Bennett when Sally, across the way, catches his eye. The location closed in 1996.
Current hours for Shakespeare and Co. at 939 Lexington Avenue are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except Sunday when they close at 6 p.m.
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Another one down. If B&N had not reopened on 3rd Ave, the UES would have only the Corner on Madison as a general-interest bookstore?
Phew! At least they aren’t closing the Paris location