San Diego's wonderful Mysterious Galaxy Books has lost its lease, needs a buyer ASAP to stay afloat

Mysterious Galaxy is a wonderful, longstanding science fiction bookstore, host to readings for the Clarion Workshop, designated bookseller for Comic-Con signings, and much more.

And while the 27-year-old bookstore is profitable, with 5-10% year-on-year sales growth and mounting profits, it is still operating on thin enough margins that it is vulnerable to shocks, and now the store has lost its lease, a shock that has endangered the store's future.

In an email to customers and stakeholders, owner Terry Gilman has offered the store for sale on a "turnkey" basis, seeking offers before November 20th. The store has 60 days to vacate its location and unless a new owner and location have been found by then, Southern California will lose one of its most storied, best independent bookstores, and science fiction and fantasy will lose one of its greatest, longest-standing genre bookstores.

The staff of Mysterious Galaxy just received notice that they are losing their lease for their Balboa Avenue storefront, and will need to move in 60 days. It is with heavy hearts that we share that unless a new buyer and new location are found immediately, Mysterious Galaxy will be forced to close its doors.

For nearly 27 years, Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore has been a vibrant part of the book community in San Diego, and a safe and welcoming place for those with a passion for books. The past several years have seen 5-10% growth in sales and increasing profits. The store's participation in regional and industry conventions, and its stellar in-store events, have earned it a special place in the hearts of authors and readers alike, and created a well-respected brand in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and Mystery praised throughout the publishing and bookselling industry.