Parable, family-run Pierce County bookstore, plant shop and community space, to close
After nearly four years in operation, Parable, a family-owned bookstore, plant shop and community space in Tacoma’s McKinley neighborhood, will close at the end of October, owners said in online posts recently.
The shop, which had limited its regular hours, attracted a following and reputation as a space that celebrated local artists and makers. The Black-, women- and queer-owned store held regular book clubs, markets, queer line dancing, open mics, workshops and pop-ups since opening in 2021. Its address is 3502 McKinley Ave., Suite A.
“With full hearts, we share the bittersweet news that we are closing shop. This decision wasn’t easy but is the best for our family,” the company said in social media posts Sept. 14. “Over the years we have experienced great joys and accomplishments but also heartache, family loss and struggle. There are no words for how meaningful it’s been to witness the way that our community came together to lift up our work, and the heart and sweat put in by people like you has sustained and nurtured Parable.”
The owners said in the post “the grief our family is holding” and “subsequent loss of capacity” took a toll, and when they were informed that the building was changing ownership, “we saw it as the right moment to transition our business.”
“Parable has always been more than a business. In this space we built community and watched beautiful networks form for Tacoma as a whole,” the post said. “It’s been an honor to hold the space for so many inspiring community members to gather, celebrate our brilliance, care for each other and just be joyful together. With that in mind, we are trusting that the seeds we’ve planted (with your help) these past four years will continue to bear fruit— this is just the beginning.”
The shop will officially close Oct. 31, and a liquidation sale will happen later next month, the post said. Patrons can leave farewell messages and share memories online.
Co-owners of Parable did not return requests for comment from The News Tribune this week.
In April, Parable asked the public for financial support to keep the business afloat. A GoFundMe raised nearly half of its $31,000 goal within 24 hours, and as of Friday morning surpassed $25,000.
At the time, co-owner LaKecia Farmer told The News Tribune that business had slowed since January, the workload was becoming unsustainable for the family and Parable didn’t have the funding to expand.
Farmer said the family knew opening a business in 2020 amid the pandemic and social unrest was risky, but they moved forward with a mission to serve the greater community and carry on the legacy for their children.
After making the “very vulnerable” decision to publish and advertise the GoFundMe, Farmer said the family was moved by the community support they received soon after.
This week dozens of patrons left supportive comments on social media and the Kudoboard Parable set up to share memories. Many expressed grief at the store’s closure and thanked the owners for creating a beautiful and special community space.
Parable said patrons should keep an eye out for some of its final events. The store is hosting an “Accessibility for All Artist Market” to showcase the work of local disabled artists and creators from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 and 29.
This story was originally published September 22, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
