The only vacant retail space in Riverwalk Landing has been claimed by the owner of a longtime Historic Triangle bookstore planning to open a second location.
The Yorktown Book Shop on Riverwalk will be operated by Kelsie Davis, the owner of James City County’s Book Exchange, and managing partner David Torres. It will take over the space formerly occupied by Claire Murray Lifestyles, which closed in May.
Davis recently signed an early occupancy agreement for the space with the York County Economic Development Authority, which oversees Riverwalk Landing. She intends to begin the lease Oct. 1, according to York County Director of Economic Development Jim Noel. The official lease will be signed at a later date.
Davis has owned the Book Exchange, located in the Colony Square Shopping Center, for more than 20 years. Earlier this year, she decided Yorktown would be a great place for her business to expand.
Davis did not respond to calls from WYDaily.
Unlike the James City County location, the new shop will not accept used books. Instead, merchandise acquired by the James City County store will be sent to Yorktown to be sold.
The Riverwalk Landing space will be used for activities such as book readings, book club meetings, board game nights, crafts and how-to programs. The James City County location is unable to host such events due to a lack of space.
The Yorktown Book Shop on Riverwalk will join Patriot Tours & Provisions, Alexander’s Photography, Viccellio Goldsmith, Auntie M’s American Cottage, River Fruit Tropical Wines, the Yorktown Onion, the Carrot Tree, Ben & Jerry’s, Riverwalk Restaurant and Water Street Grille.
Noel said he is pleased the store will add to Riverwalk Landing, which he said is a growing tourist destination.
“I’m very happy with the tenant mix down there in general,” he said.
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