Planet Books Relocates, Reinvents

0:00It's April 18th. Welcome to California News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Planet Books, that quirky signal-hill spot packed with 4,000 square feet of used books, toys, posters, and rare finds, is on the move. The beloved bookstore faced a deadline to clear out by the end of April, dodging closure or endless storage. Owner James Rabaport and manager Argao Hauser have been boxing everything up since early this month. They hunted for months but couldn't snag affordable space within a 30 mile radius under $2 per square foot. Now, heading into their 30th anniversary since opening in 1998, they've locked in a fresh spot at 1819 Redondo, Avenue, a revamped former furniture store and sound studio. The crews filling the bittersweet vibe, saying goodbye to their warehouse home from the past four years. But they're pumped about downsizing a tenth of their stock, donating heaps to schools shelters and prisons, plus selling off vinyl collections too, lighting the load.

1:01In the new digs, expect art books up front. Vintage gyms tucked in back and leather-bound classic shining in the window. They'll consolidate rare tomes into one glass display, wide and aisles, add comfy seating, couches, and even cappuccino service. This shift wraps a big chapter, but kicks off something brighter. Trendy vibes with live jazz, blues, poetry slams, book signings, and finally working. Toilets that won't let you down.