Conkey's to close after 113 years

APPLETON - After more than a century in business, an Appleton landmark is closing its doors. The owner of Conkey's Bookstore says his store has tried to remain viable, but can't beat a challenging economy and big competition.

As the store gears up for its final sale, both book sellers and buyers are pausing for reflection. Pondering, not only what they'll lose, but what they've gained at Conkey's Bookstore.

"My true interest is people and helping and caring for them and that's over," store owner John Zimmerman said.

During his 30-plus years with the store, Zimmerman did more than sell books. He held the corner on community, offering stocked shelves, rich history, and an ear to his customers.

"I believe very strongly that God wanted me in this job and we've had a good run," he said.

However, Zimmerman says Wisconsin's oldest independent bookstore has hit a breaking point.

"The last ten years have been tough," Zimmerman said.

The first blow came when the major department stores left downtown. Then, the College Avenue bridge closure and tough economy. Perhaps the final straw was losing a longstanding contract with Fox Valley Technical College to Barnes and Noble.

"I used to come here when I was little a lot with my parents and it is just the loss of a landmark," Brian Hauser of Appleton said.

Jennifer Stephany with Appleton Downtown Incorportated says Conkey's is part of the city's history. She calls its closure a loss, but not surprising given the times.

"It's been a very challenging time for retail and it's one of the reasons we're really trying to encourage people to think about shopping at those locally owned businesses," Stephany said.

Conkey's also had a campus bookstore contract with Lawrence University, but Zimmerman ended the partnership in light of the coming closure.

"We don't blame, it's just that things happen and we're just honored that people care," he said.

So much so, that while the storefront may sit empty, customers say Conkey's will forever be meshed in the fabric of downtown.

Conkey's annual inventory reduction sale will begin on Monday, however an exact date for closing has not been set. The store's owner says he is trying to help employees find jobs elsewhere.