Iconic Brisbane CBD bookshop’s final chapter after 41 years

Since 1979 it has been a shrine for lovers of fine books. But a combination of Covid, cheap online competitors, rising rents and having to leave its CBD home have spelled the end for this iconic store.

Brisbane CBD bookseller Folio Books will close and may never reopen after 41 years serving the literary needs of its devoted customers.

Quest Newspapers revealed in March that it was temporarily closing after a development application was lodged over its longtime Mary St site.

But now Folio appears to be gone for good, another victim of cheap online competitors, the rise of e-books, Covid lockdowns and supply chain problems, and rising rents.

It has also battled floods, two relocations and a devastating downturn in office workers, many of whom who have continued to work from home since the lifting of the last lockdown.

“We opened in 1979 and we have grown while always remaining an independent, family business,’’ Folio co-owners Angelos, Jenny and Alexis Kakoulidis said in a statement on their web page.

Co-owner Alexis Kakoulidis restocks the shelves in 2009.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our customers and the passion and hard work of our staff, for which we are incredibly grateful.

“Over the years, we have faced many challenges and now we find ourselves in a situation where the impacts of Covid remain uncertain, coupled with the strain of relocation due to the demolition of our last premises.

“Upon significant reflection, we have made the very difficult decision not to reopen for the foreseeable future.

“We hope that we created a unique experience for you when visiting our bookstore.

“It has been an extraordinary experience which we will greatly miss. Stay well and keep reading.”

After temporarily shutting in March, Folio Books has announced it might never reopen.

Folio first opened in Elizabeth St before most recently moving to Mary St.

It outlasted most other independent Brisbane bookstores because of its eclectic mix of rare and unusual books, ranging from philosophy to popular culture and architecture, as well as great service and a welcoming atmosphere.

The final straw was having the lease over its 133 Mary St, CBD, premises terminated after the owner lodged a development application (DA) which included demolishing the building.

It is believed Folio had been part-way through a seven-year lease.

Private equity real estate manager ARA Private Funds submitted a DA to Council in September last year for a 23-level office tower, with ground-level food and drink outlets.

It would replace an existing two-level retail annex to another, 18-level tower on the site.

Council officers and the RACQ, which ownes a nearby building in Edward St, have both raised concerns about the bulk of the proposed tower and disruption to sight lines on Edward St.

Folio was twice named one of Brisbane’s top 10 bookstores by The Courier-Mail and has frequently topped other lists of the city’s finest bookshops.