Independent bookshop owner, supporters seek help from Elk Grove City Council to prevent more big box stores

Barnes and Nobles a direct threat to Elk Grove bookshop

During the public comment section of their Wednesday, February 8 meeting, the Elk Grove City Council heard heartfelt pleas from the owner of an Elk Grove-based independent bookseller and six supporters to help the business survive.

The threat to the business, A Seat at the Table bookstore and coffee shop are plans for big-box book retailer Barnes and Noble to open an Elk Grove store. Among those appearing before the city council was A Seat at the Table‘s owner, Emily Autenrith (see the video for her complete commentary).

In her comments, Autenrith highlighted the numerous services and outreach efforts the bookstore offers customers and clients. She also stressed the business is in synch with the city’s diverse population.

“We are not only a bookstore cafe but a diversity-focused and community space,” she said. “We offer free and affordable cultural celebration, workshops, affinity groups, and author events that reflect our community.”

After itemizing the various program and services A Seat at the Table offers, Autenrith added, “Corporations can’t offer this to Elk Grove’s families.”

As well documented for decades, small independent businesses are often forced out of business when big-box retailers enter a market. Another injury inflicted on independent bookstores and other small businesses came during the COVID-19 closures that pushed more customers to online book purchases.

Autenrith noted that her business already competes with Elk Grove’s Target, Walmart, and Costco stores, and the city has a challenging small business environment.

“Elk Grove is also a different place for small businesses because it grew so fast, and corporations moved in, inflating rent and training customers,” she said.

Along with Autenrith, six other individuals commented in support of A Seat at the Table while urging the city council to intervene and block the establishment of the Barnes and Noble store. Although the retailer has yet to make any applications with the city, they are reportedly negotiating with Pappas Development for their proposed The Village project on Elk Grove Boulevard and Big Horn Road.

After hearing the comments, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbies Singh-Allen empathized with all the concerns expressed but noted since the topic was not an agenda item, they could not specifically address the issue. Furthermore, she said the city council cannot address their issues as it would be a lease agreement between a tenant and landlord.

“This is not our decision, and it’s not coming before the council,” Singh-Allen said. “If there are discussions happening between the developer and a prospect, we are not involved in those.”

The collective concerns voiced by the speakers were best summarized by Autenrith, who said Barnes and Noble coming to Elk Grove would be disastrous for the bookseller.

“Putting a Barnes and Noble in town won’t be a question of if we fail, but when,” she said.