Used Books, Antiques Coming to Riverwalk Landing

By Sam Thrift Monday, January 30, 2012

The York County Economic Development Authority has approved a proposal for a used book and antiques shop to open in Riverwalk Landing this spring.

Thomas Wright, a North Carolina business owner, intends to sign a lease within the week to set up shop in the building that was previously Founding Fathers. Wright said the EDA approved the concept and proposal to lease the building last week, after months of negotiations.

The new store will resemble Wright’s store in Asheville, Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, which sells used books and wine. He said he already has more than 60,000 books to help stock his Yorktown store's shelves and so many antiques that his storage units resemble “King Tut’s tomb.”

Wright has collected numerous antiques in anticipation of the store's opening by researching and purchasing from individuals, the state and at auctions.

“It takes a lot of personal time to find all of the antiques, but I will have enough to start with,” Wright said. “It’s easier to find the antiques than it is to sell them, but I hope sales are so robust that we have a problem with not having enough antiques in a year or two [to sell in the store].”

Wright and his family bought a home in Yorktown and thought Riverwalk Landing would be the ideal place for his new business.

Jim Noel, director of the EDA, said Wright’s lease, when signed, will begin in April, but Wright will be able to move in before that time. Wright hopes to have the store open by then, but the date depends on the availability of the staff he still has to hire. See Wright’s other store by clicking here.