John King Bookstores Struggle To Stay Open

The rise of e-books, iPads, the Kindle, and other digital book readers could mean the fall of business for two of John King Bookstores.

Signs reading "Everything Must Go" and "Every Book Must Go" have gone up at John King's two satellite stores - one in Ferndale and one near Wayne State University.  He hopes the slashed prices will drive up sales, generating revenue to stay in business.

Detroit Public Schools teacher Iris Ayala was shocked to hear the future of those stores is in jeopardy.

"I love my books," Ayala said.  "I love hardcovers, softcovers, I love bookmarks... and the e-books are great in some circumstances, but nothing will ever replace the hardcover book."

King said while the future of those two locations is uncertain, he has no plans to close the flagship store in West Lafayette in downtown Detroit.

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