San Francisco shifts hurt African-American businesses

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From The Wall Street Journal

San Francisco’s Marcus Books has long been a gathering place for African-American authors such as Maya Angelou. But last year, manager Blanche Richardson faced the realization that the 50-year-old bookstore might have to close, the victim of a mix of demographics and economics.

“To even have to contemplate closing this place, with all of its history, is painful to think about,” she says.

While many independent bookstores nationwide have shut over the years, Marcus Books’ travails are rooted in a double-whammy specific to the Bay Area: the recession coupled with a long-term exodus of African-Americans from San Francisco. In the past two years, says Ms. Richardson, both trends have caused Marcus Books’ sales to plunge nearly 40%. In contrast, Barnes & Noble Inc. reported a 4% year-over-year sales increase in its most recently reported quarter.

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