What's Happening?
Casita Bookstore, a Latina-owned business in Long Beach, is relocating due to financial difficulties experienced in 2025. The bookstore, owned by Antonette Franceschi-Chavez, celebrated its third anniversary in December but faced a significant drop in sales, nearly 20% from the previous year. This decline forced Franceschi-Chavez to consider either closing the store or downsizing to a smaller location. To keep the business afloat, the bookstore will move to a smaller space attached to her husband's barbershop nearby. Franceschi-Chavez has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the transition and ensure her employees are paid during the move. The bookstore, known for its selection of Spanish-language and LGBTQ+ literature, has been a community
hub, and Franceschi-Chavez hopes to continue its mission in the new location.
Why It's Important?
The relocation of Casita Bookstore highlights the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, in a competitive market dominated by large corporations like Amazon. The bookstore's struggle underscores the broader economic pressures on small businesses, which often lack the financial resilience to withstand significant drops in sales. The community's response, including donations to the GoFundMe campaign, reflects a strong desire to support local, minority-owned businesses and maintain cultural spaces that offer diverse literature and community engagement. This situation illustrates the importance of community support in sustaining small businesses and preserving cultural diversity in the retail landscape.
What's Next?
Casita Bookstore plans to complete its relocation by mid-February, with the hope of resuming operations in the new, smaller space. Franceschi-Chavez aims to maintain the bookstore's current hours and continue hosting community events. The success of the GoFundMe campaign will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and financial stability for the business. The move presents an opportunity for the bookstore to adapt its business model and explore new ways to engage with the community, potentially expanding its reach and impact. The outcome of this transition could serve as a case study for other small businesses facing similar challenges.
