ABC Books on Yonge Street closes after 56 years; new location planned for Queen West
The beloved used bookstore at 662 Yonge is clearing inventory at 50% off ahead of its Oct. 30 closure. Owner Patrick Hempelmann cited unsustainable rising rent as the reason for the move.
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ABC Books, a Toronto institution selling used books, comics, magazines and media for 56 years, is closing its Church-Wellesley location at 662 Yonge Street on October 30.
Owner Patrick Hempelmann cited the escalating cost of operating the business as the reason for the closure. Commercial rent for a typical 1,000-square-foot space with three employees has jumped 142% over the past five years, a spike that would add roughly $5,534 annually to a business's costs before accounting for insurance, utilities and payroll.
ABC Books first opened on Yonge in 1970 and moved to its current Church-Wellesley location in 1988. The store is currently offering 50% off everything to clear inventory before the deadline. The closure prompted mourning from longtime customers on Instagram: "I go here almost weekly and always find a new read, sadly won't be able to do that anymore," one wrote. Another commented: "Oh no, that's a shame – the last used bookstore on that stretch!"
The business is not disappearing entirely. Hempelmann announced a new ABC Books location at 244 Queen West near John Street, where BMV Books already operates. It remains unclear whether the new ABC Books will function as a separate storefront or become part of the existing BMV Books location. BMV Books promoted the sale on Instagram with a wry joke: "nobody wants to move heavy boxes of books, magazines and comics."
The closure is part of a broader squeeze on independent retail in Toronto's core. The rent jump reflects both property speculation and a shift in real estate economics that has made older commercial spaces increasingly unaffordable for small independent operators.
The facts
When is ABC Books closing its Yonge Street location?
ABC Books will close its location at 662 Yonge Street on October 30, 2026.
Why is ABC Books closing?
Owner Patrick Hempelmann cited escalating operating costs, particularly commercial rent, which has jumped 142% over the past five years.
Where is the new ABC Books location?
ABC Books will open at 244 Queen West near John Street in Toronto, where BMV Books already operates.
How long has ABC Books been in business?
ABC Books has operated for 56 years, first opening on Yonge Street in 1970 and moving to its Church-Wellesley location in 1988.
What discount is ABC Books offering before it closes?
ABC Books is offering 50% off everything to clear inventory before the October 30 closure.
