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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — One of the best known bookstores in the Boston area will not be opening a new location in the Back Bay after all.
In July 2022, the Harvard Book Store in Cambridge announced plans to open a second storefront in the Prudential Center. The move would expand the bookstore into a 29,000 square foot space previously occupied by Barnes and Noble by Spring 2023.
After delays, store ownership announced Friday that it is abandoning the expansion into the Pru due to "the lingering effects of the pandemic" and "ongoing disruptions to the supply chain and escalating costs."
"While we are disappointed in this outcome, we are grateful to the many talented and creative individuals who worked with us along the way," the bookstore said in a statement. "Most of all, we're grateful to the literary community of Boston who have expressed so much support in anticipation of a second Harvard Book Store location."
"On that note, we will turn our focus to updates at our flagship location in Harvard Square, projects we have been planning in parallel with the Prudential store," the statement continued. "Our goal is to enhance the in-store experience, while continuing to enrich our commitment to customer service, our flourishing author event series, and our excellent inventory."
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