By Jessica Dillon
Magnolia & Main, the area’s only independent bookstore, will close its brick-and-mortar location later this month as owner Traci Knight Morton transitions to a mobile, pop-up model.
The bookstore’s last day at 810 Main St. will be Jan. 31. Morton said the change is driven by family health concerns, particularly the need to provide more day-to-day support and transportation for her parents.
Magnolia & Main will not close altogether.
“I am transitioning to a pop-up, mobile store, at least for a while,” Morton said. She plans to maintain a curated inventory of favorite genres, classics, journals, and book-themed accessories. “I’m excited to be more present in the community and participate in vendor events and pop-ups.”
Morton said several businesses have already reached out with opportunities to collaborate.
“We’ll still be able to have author events, co-hosting with other businesses,” she said. “The next several months will be like a ‘choose your own adventure,’ and I can’t wait.”
Since opening in May 2024, Morton said the community has embraced the bookstore beyond her expectations.
“I had no idea what to expect before I opened the store, and it has been one blessing after another,” she said. “I have met so many wonderful people, found priceless friendships, and made lasting connections.”
She said the most difficult part of maintaining a storefront has been needing to close unexpectedly when family needs arise.
“I hate having to close at random times unexpectedly, because I know how disheartening it is to visit a business and it’s not open when it should be,” Morton said.
“I want to be there for them as much as I can,” she said of her parents. “Since I opened, I have always prayed that God would help me know if it was time for a change. Over Christmas break, I felt that time was near. Although I hate to lose this beautiful space and the experiences we have here, I have peace that it’s what I need to do.”
Wilbur, the bookstore’s well-known cat, will move home with Morton and her Great Dane, Bessie.
“Wilbur is ready to live a life of luxury at home,” she said. “He and Bessie the Great Dane have not become BFFs yet, but I’m still hopeful. He loves watching the birds in the backyard and is currently considering writing a memoir of his celebrity days as a kitten star on Facebook.”
The store will continue operating under normal hours for the remainder of January unless an emergency arises. Magnolia & Main will host an author event with Sonya Womack-Miranda from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 17. Daydream Photography LLC will also be on site Jan. 17 and 18 for bookstore mini sessions.
A thank-you celebration and release party for Freida McFadden’s newest book, Dear Debbie, will be held on Jan. 31.
Morton will host her first pop-up event on Feb. 7.
“I’m teaming up with Melinda and Once Upon a Blind Date for an event at Pieces Too Boutique in Martinsville,” she said. She will also participate in Rose Gold Salon’s Galentine’s Day event on Feb. 13.
A clearance sale will be held to help move the remaining inventory. Readers can continue to support Magnolia & Main through its Libro.fm and Bookshop.org pages.
