Save Amber Unicorn Books
Donation protected
I ask you to imagine our Las Vegas Community without the resources of its favorite and popular bookstore; namely, Amber Unicorn Books that Lou and Myrna Donato have owned and operated for nearly 40 years. Amber Unicorn is the area's largest independent used bookstore where residents and visitors can sell, trade, and buy books. As bleak a scenario as this presents, it has sadly become a reality if the current economic situation does not improve.
Two years ago, Trader Joe's abruptly vacated its tenancy, leaving the shopping center without an anchor store, which in turn delivered a huge blow to Amber Unicorn. The store experienced a 30% drop in revenue that has never been recovered. Shortly after, a devastating loss was suffered in the unexpected death of Lou Donato, a much beloved and internationally respected bookseller and owner. Many of you will remember Lou's warm welcome to every customer, never too busy for conversation or to share his expertise.
While Lou typically manned the "front of the house", Myrna focused on the administration and business affairs. Upon Lou's untimely passing, Myrna's sole vision was to honor her husband's legacy by keeping the doors open and continuing to extend the same services to the growing community they both loved.
While Myrna has done an exemplary job in maintaining the business, there are obstacles, outside of her control, that present dramatic challenges. Staff and expenses have been reduced, and 25% sales are continuously run to boost revenue. However, vacancies in the shopping center continue to rise with the recent announcement that US Bank (which shares our parking lot) will close this fall. Without pedestrian traffic from other tenants, Amber Unicorn has become a destination spot, making business unpredictable and always in the decline. The viability of the store to operate for the immediate future is questionable, which could result in a potential sale of the business or its closure.
This GoFundMe campaign is a humble appeal to the beloved customers, friends, and patrons, and to all who realize that every community needs a bookstore like Amber Unicorn in order to thrive. Any contribution is very much appreciated and will go towards the operating expenses and the endeavor to keep Amber Unicorn a place where people come to engage their imaginations and knowledge.
Two years ago, Trader Joe's abruptly vacated its tenancy, leaving the shopping center without an anchor store, which in turn delivered a huge blow to Amber Unicorn. The store experienced a 30% drop in revenue that has never been recovered. Shortly after, a devastating loss was suffered in the unexpected death of Lou Donato, a much beloved and internationally respected bookseller and owner. Many of you will remember Lou's warm welcome to every customer, never too busy for conversation or to share his expertise.
While Lou typically manned the "front of the house", Myrna focused on the administration and business affairs. Upon Lou's untimely passing, Myrna's sole vision was to honor her husband's legacy by keeping the doors open and continuing to extend the same services to the growing community they both loved.
While Myrna has done an exemplary job in maintaining the business, there are obstacles, outside of her control, that present dramatic challenges. Staff and expenses have been reduced, and 25% sales are continuously run to boost revenue. However, vacancies in the shopping center continue to rise with the recent announcement that US Bank (which shares our parking lot) will close this fall. Without pedestrian traffic from other tenants, Amber Unicorn has become a destination spot, making business unpredictable and always in the decline. The viability of the store to operate for the immediate future is questionable, which could result in a potential sale of the business or its closure.
This GoFundMe campaign is a humble appeal to the beloved customers, friends, and patrons, and to all who realize that every community needs a bookstore like Amber Unicorn in order to thrive. Any contribution is very much appreciated and will go towards the operating expenses and the endeavor to keep Amber Unicorn a place where people come to engage their imaginations and knowledge.
Organizer
Myrna Donato
Organizer
Las Vegas, NV