Former lawyer buys The Bookies, half-century-old Denver bookstore

Kirstin Gulling Takes Over The Bookies, Continuing a Denver Bookstore Legacy

Kirstin Gulling is fulfilling a long-held dream she had while studying law in the early 1990s: owning a bookstore. The former lawyer is now set to write the next chapter of The Bookies, a Denver bookstore staple that was opened by Sue Lubeck in 1972.

“It’s an exciting opportunity, especially because I have a strong foundation to build upon,” Gulling shared. “There’s already a talented community of people who work and visit here.”

Gulling acquired the retail shop from Nicole Sullivan, who had taken over ownership in 2021 after Lubeck’s passing. Sullivan had relocated the store from Glendale to its current 7,000-square-foot location in the Virginia Village neighborhood and had been looking to sell since March.

While the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, Sullivan mentioned that the hard work of reviving the business had been mostly completed. She expressed confidence in Gulling’s ability to grow sales and attract customers, noting her fresh perspective and hands-on approach.

Sullivan still owns the store’s real estate, which she purchased for $2.2 million in 2023. She will lease the space to Gulling, as The Bookies currently generates around $1.5 million in annual sales.

Gulling envisions The Bookies as a “third place” in the community, drawing inspiration from her own experiences with bookstores as a student and parent. She plans to maintain the store’s mission of serving educators and young children while expanding its role as a community hub.

Notable changes under Gulling’s ownership will include the addition of a used-book section and reorganized shelves to create inviting spaces for visitors. She intends to prioritize customer feedback and maintain The Bookies as a warm and welcoming environment.

Since taking over in 2021, Sullivan had modernized the store’s operations and expanded its offerings. The move to a standalone building improved visibility and increased profit margins, setting the stage for Gulling to continue the store’s legacy.

As Sullivan transitions ownership to Gulling, she expresses confidence in Gulling’s ability to lead The Bookies into the future. Gulling, committed to preserving the bookstore for another 50 years, is eager to explore new ideas to ensure its longevity.

This article was originally published on BusinessDen.

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