Joseph-Beth files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

According to the Enquirer, Joseph-Beth Booksellers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy yesterday. The company is closing its stores in Charlotte, N.C., Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Nashville but said it plans to keep the Rookwood Pavilion store open. In a news release, the company said, “The continuing challenges for the book industry; a weak economy and resulting sales decline, along with economic forecasts for the first half of 2011 represent significant challenges to Joseph-Beth and the entire retail industry.” Wouldn’t it be awful if we lose this gem?