By MATT NICHOLLS
ARMIDALE’S longest-running bookstore has embarked on a new chapter.
Owners Bill and Yvonne Duhigg have sold Reader’s Companion and are set to drive off into the sunset and enjoy retired life.
The Duhiggs had been running the bookstore for 22 years and said they were glad to see the store stay open after a lengthy period trying to find a new owner.
“We are glad to see the store remain in good hands,” Mrs Duhigg said.
“All of our best customers have become good friends and there had been a few tears at the prospect of the store closing.”
Michelle Wheatley takes the reins of Reader’s Companion and said she took over the bookshop because she didn’t want to see it close.
“I was upset by the idea that such a prominent local and well known business could disappear,” she said.
“It wasn’t really on my radar, but I love books and I want to keep the tradition of the store going.”
Ms Wheatley and the Duhiggs agreed that book stores still had a niche in an ever growing online market.
“People still want to read a hard copy book,” Mrs Duhigg said.
“We’ve had people buy Kindles (electronic book readers) and come back to books.”
Mr Duhigg said independent book stores were the way of the future as more and more franchise sellers closed around the country, including Dymocks in Armidale last month.
“I’m sure Michelle will do a great job with the store,” he said.
Ms Wheatley said she didn’t have any major changes on the horizon, but said she would look to put her own spin on the store.
“I’ll still be selling books and CDs, but there will be a few small things change,” she said.
“Mostly, though, I’ll be nurturing the work of Bill and Yvonne.”
