A few days ago, Elliott Bay Book Company put up a notice on its website:

USED BOOK LIQUIDATION SALE ON NOW!
20% Off All Used Books!

In preparation for our move to Capitol Hill in March, we are liquidating our used book inventory.

Yesterday, I talked with Elliott Bay General Manager Tracy Taylor, and she confirmed what this used book sale suggests: "We are not carrying used books at the new store," she said. She didn't want to comment any further, instead directing me to store owner Peter Aaron. After a thrilling round of phone tag, I just talked with Aaron, who cited a "combination of factors" leading to the decision. "The new neighborhood is already very well-served" in terms of used books, he says. When I pointed out that Pioneer Square isn't too shabby with the used books, either, Aaron said that the creation of Elliott Bay's used book section "was a decision that was made ten or eleven years ago," and he called used books "a very small part of the business" that has been very "labor-intensive."

Not carrying used books "gives us a little more leeway" in figuring out how to best use the space in the new building, Aaron says, but he says the decision to stop carrying used books isn't necessarily "an irrevocable decision." They could resume selling used books if they determine that the need exists.

As I pointed out yesterday, things are about to get worse for independent booksellers, and simply cutting out a revenue stream, as well as eliminating an avenue of choice for customers, seems like a risky proposition. We'll see how it shakes out in March.