Always thought downtown could use a Borders or Barnes and Noble... but this would be even better.
http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/ ... st=b_ln_hl
http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/ ... st=b_ln_hl
Left Bank Books (Downtown)- Tenth and Locust streets
Left Bank Books (Downtown)- Tenth and Locust streets
- 10K
I had a feeling that that was the space they were looking at - it used to be a furniture store, the name of which is escaping me. Awesome news!
I've only been in Left Bank books a couple times and hadn't browsed an extreme amount. What is the breadth of books they carry? I just get the feeling, particularly from the name, that the crux of what they carry comes from a fairly liberal perspective. The downtown market is quite different from the CWE -- it's more mainstream in the political spectrum. I wonder how successful they will be if they do not cater to more mainstream sensibilities as well.
- 8,912
I really hope Left Bank is successful in their new venture. I'd hate to see another DT "pioneer" fail. I understand that it's completely unreasonable to expect every new business to last, but it would really prove to many that DT has take the next step.
- 10K
innov8ion wrote:I've only been in Left Bank books a couple times and hadn't browsed an extreme amount. What is the breadth of books they carry? I just get the feeling, particularly from the name, that the crux of what they carry comes from a fairly liberal perspective. The downtown market is quite different from the CWE -- it's more mainstream in the political spectrum. I wonder how successful they will be if they do not cater to more mainstream sensibilities as well.
It's a pretty small shop, but their selection is generally pretty good, especially when it comes to current offerings. Surprisingly good selection of kids' books. They seem to have carved out a nice niche for themselves with their LGBT offerings. One of their strengths is their programming - I think David Sedaris was there last night, and they've had big events for things like the release of Harry Potter books.
Moorlander wrote:I really hope Left Bank is successful in their new venture. I'd hate to see another DT "pioneer" fail. I understand that it's completely unreasonable to expect every new business to last, but it would really prove to many that DT has take the next step.
Waldenbooks lasted for a while in a dying mall - I gotta think Left Bank will do fine. And when all of the planned/under construction projects in the area are completed, that area will be even better.
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DeBaliviere wrote:I had a feeling that that was the space they were looking at - it used to be a furniture store, the name of which is escaping me. Awesome news!
The old space was Ambiente.
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The name Left Bank is more a reference to Paris than the ideological spectrum. I imagine like any business they will cater to their customers interests in that particular location
- 1,517
Plus, St. Louis is on the "Left Bank" of the Mississippi River (the East Side being the "Right Bank").
As far as its offerings being more liberal and not mainstream enough--that's only true for the employees' choices. So, if you avoid one table out of the whole store, you might never even know. Well, if you also avoid the extensive LGBT section too.
That's not exactly flip-through material for the right wing.
As far as its offerings being more liberal and not mainstream enough--that's only true for the employees' choices. So, if you avoid one table out of the whole store, you might never even know. Well, if you also avoid the extensive LGBT section too.
That's not exactly flip-through material for the right wing.- 10K
Matt Drops The H wrote:That's not exactly flip-through material for the right wing.
Not publicly, at least.
Ha! I was only curious about the breadth of books they carried. Thanks all for 'splaining. I'm extremely glad a bookstore is coming downtown and Left Bank Books seems to have a great following. In fact, something tells me I'll be taking a field trip to their location in the CWE soon to browse around and enjoy. Looking forward to be able to do the same in my 'hood soon.
- 1,517
DeBaliviere wrote:Matt Drops The H wrote:That's not exactly flip-through material for the right wing.
Not publicly, at least.
I didn't want to go there, DeB. But I'm glad you did.
- 5,433
DeBaliviere wrote:Matt Drops The H wrote:That's not exactly flip-through material for the right wing.
Not publicly, at least.
Well played.
Let Left Bank's gain be the megastores' loss, I say. I just hope their foray into a second location will be more successful than it was for Goodworks, although I realize that's an apples-to-oranges comparison. Actually, I think Left Bank would do quite well downtown.
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ThreeOneFour wrote:
Let Left Bank's gain be the megastores' loss, I say. I just hope their foray into a second location will be more successful than it was for Goodworks, although I realize that's an apples-to-oranges comparison. Actually, I think Left Bank would do quite well downtown.
I think that they may have a better chance for success than Goodworks, being that LeftBank has a product that can be purchased by a business worker on his/her lunch break or after work, rather than a major furniture purchase. Essentially appealing to a larger customer base.
Now...if they could get a Coffee Cartel in the store..that is a power duo
- 10K
MSU South Sider wrote:ThreeOneFour wrote:Now...if they could get a Coffee Cartel in the store..that is a power duo
You might want to suggest that to Craig Heller.
I hope this store is open for Christmas shopping!
Left Bank has a terrific art and architecture section, including international periodicals. They're also strong in local-interest stuff. Plus, they've got a bunch of good-quality used books downstairs.
I wonder if they'll have a resident cat at the new downtown location. This is pretty exciting since Left Bank is one of my favorite bookstores anywhere. They kind of remind me of City Lights in San Francisco, but without the beat poetry reading room.
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From Downtown BUZZ Email....
Retail, Restaurants & More - Coming Soon
Left Bank Books*321 North 10th Street*Opening October 08
Wine, Cocktail Bar & Music Venue*1004 Locust*
Opening October 2008
Coming Soon to the ground floor of the Lofts at 315 Building, Left Bank Books will be opening a 5,500 square foot 2nd St. Louis location. Left Bank Books is the only independently-owned, full-service bookstore in the greater metropolitan area of St. Louis.
Wine, Cocktail Bar & Music Venue (Name Coming Soon)
Dave Bailey, owner of Rooster in downtown St. Louis, plans to open a 6,800 square foot acoustic music venue in the basement level of the Lofts at 315 Building (adjacent to Left Bank Books). More information coming soon.
Retail, Restaurants & More - Coming Soon
Left Bank Books*321 North 10th Street*Opening October 08
Wine, Cocktail Bar & Music Venue*1004 Locust*
Opening October 2008
Coming Soon to the ground floor of the Lofts at 315 Building, Left Bank Books will be opening a 5,500 square foot 2nd St. Louis location. Left Bank Books is the only independently-owned, full-service bookstore in the greater metropolitan area of St. Louis.
Wine, Cocktail Bar & Music Venue (Name Coming Soon)
Dave Bailey, owner of Rooster in downtown St. Louis, plans to open a 6,800 square foot acoustic music venue in the basement level of the Lofts at 315 Building (adjacent to Left Bank Books). More information coming soon.
- 45
ThreeOneFour wrote:DeBaliviere wrote:Matt Drops The H wrote:That's not exactly flip-through material for the right wing.
Not publicly, at least.
Well played.
Let Left Bank's gain be the megastores' loss, I say. I just hope their foray into a second location will be more successful than it was for Goodworks, although I realize that's an apples-to-oranges comparison. Actually, I think Left Bank would do quite well downtown.
A coffee venue would be awesome in the downtown LB Books. Coffee Cartel though... Let's just wish for the original Coffee Cartel to get cleaned a little more often and the trash picked up.
- 111
JeremyPivenlovesme wrote:ThreeOneFour wrote:DeBaliviere wrote:
Not publicly, at least.
Well played.
Let Left Bank's gain be the megastores' loss, I say. I just hope their foray into a second location will be more successful than it was for Goodworks, although I realize that's an apples-to-oranges comparison. Actually, I think Left Bank would do quite well downtown.
A coffee venue would be awesome in the downtown LB Books. Coffee Cartel though... Let's just wish for the original Coffee Cartel to get cleaned a little more often and the trash picked up.
I hear the proposed chocolate cafe will have a complete espresso menu and lots of comfortable seating.
- 5,433
MidcoastSTL wrote:From Downtown BUZZ Email....
Retail, Restaurants & More - Coming Soon
Left Bank Books*321 North 10th Street*Opening October 08
Wine, Cocktail Bar & Music Venue*1004 Locust*
Opening October 2008
Coming Soon to the ground floor of the Lofts at 315 Building, Left Bank Books will be opening a 5,500 square foot 2nd St. Louis location. Left Bank Books is the only independently-owned, full-service bookstore in the greater metropolitan area of St. Louis.
Wine, Cocktail Bar & Music Venue (Name Coming Soon)
Dave Bailey, owner of Rooster in downtown St. Louis, plans to open a 6,800 square foot acoustic music venue in the basement level of the Lofts at 315 Building (adjacent to Left Bank Books). More information coming soon.
It's great to see some good news about downtown again. The economy hasn't made things any easier for most developers, but I'm confident that downtown St. Louis is still moving in the right direction.
- 10K
lamiaposta wrote:I hear the proposed chocolate cafe will have a complete espresso menu and lots of comfortable seating.
Is the chocolate cafe Cioccolato from Union Station? There was talk of them moving to the OPO neighborhood.
A little late on this one... but...
We used the space they are moving into last December for Independent Art Market, which is basically a weekend-long holiday art sale that changes venues each year. We had a great time there, and Craig Heller, LoftWorks and even surrounding business were awesome to work with. We had one of our best events ever, and the amount of walk-up foot traffic was great.
I'm looking forward to the awesome things Left Bank Books will do with this space.
Best!
Daniel
http://mmmelt.us/
http://kungfuchicken.com/
http://independentartmarket.org/
We used the space they are moving into last December for Independent Art Market, which is basically a weekend-long holiday art sale that changes venues each year. We had a great time there, and Craig Heller, LoftWorks and even surrounding business were awesome to work with. We had one of our best events ever, and the amount of walk-up foot traffic was great.
I'm looking forward to the awesome things Left Bank Books will do with this space.
Best!
Daniel
http://mmmelt.us/
http://kungfuchicken.com/
http://independentartmarket.org/