Mary Who? owners conclude 40 year journey, passing the torch local family

After 40 years supporting NQ’s bookworms, the owners of a popular bookstore are moving on. Read how their legacy was to be continued.

Outgoing Mary Who? owners Sue Cole and Kerry McIlroy, with new owners Zac and Katie Solari, with their children Tyler, 11, Spencer, 9, Byron, 8, and Summer, 6. Picture: Supplied.

It’s the end of the chapter for the long-term owners of independent bookstore Mary Who? after announcing the sale of their iconic CBD business to another Townsville family.

The business was launched in 1976, with Sue Cole’s family purchasing it in 1983, before Ms Cole and Kerry McIlroy took over as co-owners in 1996, and moved the shop to its current location at 414 Flinders St, in 2002.

From Thursday, former members of the Australian air force, Katie and Zac Solari will officially take over Mary Who? following a lengthy sale process where they had been “shadowing” the owners, learning the ins-and-outs of the business over the past month.

Looking forward to retirement, Ms Cole said she wasn’t sad to be turning the page on her “wonderful career” because she had found the right people to carry on the business after searching for several years.

“I don’t have any regrets and I’m very happy that the people who are taking it on are doing it as a family business as well. I think it’s a great outcome,” Ms Cole said.

“People know that it’s been on the market for a while and I think they were a bit concerned it might have been going to close down.

“The fact that a young couple have bought it means it’s got that sense of longevity to take it into a new era.”

Exterior view of Mary Who? bookstore in the Townsville CBD. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Interior view of Mary Who? bookstore in the Townsville CBD. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Describing books as her “passion”, Ms Cole has enjoyed meeting readers from all walks of life throughout the years, who have kept the work fascinating and enjoyable.

Over the years, numerous authors have visited the business for book launches, signings, and meet-and-greets including best-selling Townsville author Barbara Hannay, Aya Pellatt, and Colly Campbell.

Sue Cole, Co-owner of Mary Who? is looking forward her the next chapter in life.

For 12 years, the bookshop hosted an ABC Centre before a decision was made by ABC Retail to shift its focus towards trading online, prompting Mary Who? to extend their range of non-book products.

Ms McIlroy said she loved chasing up new and interesting products.

“From chocolate to backpacks, we have tried them all. As long as there is some connection to books, we will give it a go,” she said.

Zac and Katie Solari are the new owners of long-running Townsville bookstore Mary Who? Picture: Supplied.

The Solari family said they were delighted to be taking over such a well-established and renowned business, after settling down in Townsville searching for the right venture to pursue in their post-military careers.

“It will be a steep learning curve (but) we are looking forward to keeping the same wonderful ambience and stock, and also having our children help out, when they get old enough,” Ms Solari said.

Ms Cole invited the community to the bookshop to say goodbye to them and hello to the new owners this Sunday, from 4pm.

Originally published as Mary Who? owners conclude 40 year journey, passing the torch local family