This is the text of an email one of the members of TheDarkTower.com received:
"Here is an update that will be unexpected by most of you that receive it. After almost 20 years, I have decided to sell Betts Bookstore. This has not been an easy decision to make, but I am going through some major changes in my life and it seems like the right time to do this. 2009 has been a terrible year in terms of sales volume, as most of this country has experienced. That coupled with a health scare, the impending death of my Dad, and the loss of my closest friend, I just don't have the desire to continue any longer. The business is listed with a local Realtor at a very attractive price if anyone is interested in moving to Bangor.
We will carry on with business as usual until the store sells, or Jan 1, 2010 at which time it will be shut down. We will be selling Under The Dome when it is released in November. Hopefully we will have a couple of the signed limiteds available, but we are not taking reservations for them at this time. We do have a limited number of signed copies of Terry Goodkind's new book, The Law Of Nines.
Penney and I certainly appreciate all the great friends we have met through this store, and all the business that everyone has given us over the years. We will miss all of you.
Wow. This is terrible news. I have had many dealings with Stu and he has been very helpful in helping me complete my collection. Now I guess I will have to take my chances on EBay with the ones I have left.
Just announced a few minutes ago that Betts Bookstore's new owner is renowned SK collector wizardsrainbow (David Williamson). Betts will continue with the highest integrity!
I got the news as well and I have to say I'm thrilled that David is picking up the store. I'm looking forward to working with him in his new capacity as the owner of Betts.
I have to say, while I have not had any dealings with Betts, it is a cornerstone of the SK collectors scene. I got a chill when I saw someone from the community is going to buy the store. People can be great when they want to be. HOORAY!