Photo by Krystyna Maliniak.
We heard the good news this week that our very own Green Apple Books will be expanding once more; this time to make sure a book-selling institution stays open for business.
The owners of Green Apple Books announced that they will be taking over ownership of Fillmore Street’s Browser Books (2195 Fillmore near Sacramento) from Stephen Damon starting October 1, 2019. The store, Browser’s name, and staff will all remain in place, and gradual improvements will be made over the coming months.
“We’re proud to help shepherd the beloved Browser Books into the future. Kevin and I look forward to using everything we’ve learned about bookselling to help the Browser staff keep serving the neighborhood’s readers,” said Green Apple Books co-owner Pete Mulvihill.
Browser Books has been on Fillmore Street for 43 years, with Damon owning it since 1981.
“I was diagnosed with a terminal illness a few years ago, but am very happy to see Browser continue under the new ownership of Green Apple. The store will have the same staff and continue to serve our community. I wish them the very best of luck!” Damon said about the sale.
Browser Books is a healthy business, thanks to “a reasonable landlord and lease, an enthusiastic and well-read staff, a loyal customer base, and a successful GoFundMe campaign in 2017” according to the press release about the takeover.
In 2014, Green Apple opened their second location, “Green Apple: Books on the Park”, on 9th Avenue near Lincoln in the Inner Sunset.
Once again, Green Apple Books bucks the trend of a shrinking retail environment in San Francisco and expands. It’s not often you hear about locally founded, brick-and-mortar businesses expanding in San Francisco, so congratulations to the team at Green Apple for making it work! And for helping keep a beloved bookstore on Fillmore Street. 🙂
Sarah B.
A story with a happy ending.
Best wishes Stephen Damon.