Karibu was an anomaly in the world of independent bookstores. While many small stores find it hard to operate more than one location, it seemed to thrive. After opening in 1993 in a kiosk at Prince George's Plaza and a pushcart at the former Landover Mall, the company steadily added locations over the years. It opened in Security Square in 2006.
The Baltimore-area store - its first outside the Washington metro area - was supposed to be start of an expansion into other markets, such as Philadelphia.
While small retailers find it hard to match prices at the big chains and discounters and the Internet, Karibu found a ready market in areas with large, middle-class African-American populations.
FOR THE RECORD - An article in yesterday's Business section about the closing of Karibu Books incorrectly stated that Cynthia A. Coates-Harris, a manager at the chain's Woodlawn store, is also a lawyer. She is an accounts payable specialist with a Washington law firm.
THE SUN REGRETS THE ERROR
Sana said low sales or a bad economy weren't the reason for Karibu's demise.
He said the part he would miss most about running the business was "serving African- Americans." He hopes that he'll be able to open another bookstore one day.
"Who knows, once some things pan out, it's possible that Karibu will come back," Sana said.
The manager of the Karibu's Woodlawn store said she was surprised to hear about the closing this week because the store had a steady stream of customers. There were book signings every Thursday for authors such as comedian Monique, who wrote a cookbook, and Chris Gardner, author of Pursuit of Happiness, which became the basis of the Will Smith movie of the same name.
"When I came in this week and found out we were closing down, I was shocked," said manager Cynthia A. Coates-Harris, who said she's a lawyer but took the job because she loves to read.
Sonya Hall Turner, 40, a Gaithersburg resident, said she liked Karibu because she could find a wide selection of books by black authors in one location. She also liked that the bookstore promoted other black-owned business.
"Karibu offered a comfortable medium in which black authors, poets and lecturers could express their thoughts, ideas and opinions to others in the black community," Turner said. "I am really sorry to see them closing."
andrea.walker@baltsun.com
Sun reporter Megan Hartley contributed to this article.
Store closings
Closed:
Pentagon City, Va.
Closing Sunday:
Security Square, Woodlawn; Centre at Forestville
Closing Feb. 10:
Bowie Town Center, The Mall at Prince Georges, Iverson Mall
