ALEXANDRIA, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–After being relocated for 10 months due to extreme damage from Hurricane Laura, the Books-A-Million store in Alexandria, LA is now back in its place. The indoor Joe Muggs cafe is also back, serving craft coffee drinks and treats to customers excited to find their favorite bookstore.
When Hurricane Laura hit the southwest coast of Louisiana in the early morning hours of August 27, 2020, the storm was a strong Category 4 determined to destroy everything in its path. Wind gusts of up to 150 miles per hour were recorded, along with flash flooding and a few tornadoes.
“Hurricane Laura caused extensive damage to surrounding areas,” said Trish Well, general manager of Books-A-Million’s Alexandria store. “People have been without electricity for three weeks or more. The storm caused our roof to peel off and caused extensive water damage to the front half of our store. Many associates wondered if the store would reopen at all.
In November, Books-A-Million Alexandria moved into, albeit on a smaller scale, a temporary location nearby while cleanup and construction continued. “The temporary location was much smaller than our original location,” Well said. “We weren’t able to carry as much cargo as we normally would at Christmas.” It was a challenge, she noted, but far from insurmountable.
Indeed, less than a year later, on June 23, 2021, a fully restored Books-A-Million Alexandria made its much-anticipated return to 3660 North Blvd. near the Alexandria Mall. Customers flocked to see the freshly renovated space – a bigger, better and brighter incarnation of its predecessor.
“The most exciting part of returning to the original location was being able to welcome our customers back with more merchandise choices. They love the new space,” Well said. And so, she said. added, the associates say. “Our team will work harder than ever to maintain the store’s new look,” Well said. “We’ve learned not to take anything for granted.”
To find the nearest Books-A-Million store, visit booksamillion.com/storefinder.
ABOUT POUNDS-A-MILLION
Books-A-Million is an established source of books, toys, games, collectibles and gifts for all ages and interests. Operating more than 200 locations in 32 states as well as a thriving online store, Books-A-Million offers top-notch customer service and outstanding value through special offers, exclusive sales and the award-winning Millionaire’s Club.
Books-A-Million has grown exponentially in more than 100 years of business, from its humble origins in 1917 as a newsstand in Florence, Alabama, to its current status as the second-largest bookseller in the United States. -United.
Find your nearest Books-A-Million store at booksamillion.com/storefinder and follow Books-A-Million on TwitterInstagram, Facebook and Pinterest.