The University Book Store in Mill Creek will close Oct. 19. (Janice Podsada / The Herald)

The University Book Store in Mill Creek will close Oct. 19. (Janice Podsada / The Herald)

Mill Creek University Book Store set to close in October

The CEO cited “a significant rental increase” as a factor in shuttering the Town Center location.

MILL CREEK — The University Book Store in Mill Creek will shut its doors next month, a casualty of what it’s characterizing as a significant rent hike.

The book store, which sells not only books and textbooks but clothing and computer accessories, is located in the Mill Creek Town Center, at 15311 Main St.

It opened in 2004.

“It is with heartfelt sorrow I announce that we will close this location at the end of business on October 19,” Louis Little, CEO of University Book Store Inc. said in a statement.

Little went on to say that “a significant rental increase contributed to this decision.”

On Friday, shoppers were already taking advantage of a 40% discount on books, but despite the savings regulars weren’t happy to learn that the store is closing.

“I’ve been coming here ever since it opened,” said Margaret Harmon. “I like the feel of a book in my hand. It’s a good place to browse,” said Harmon, a Kenmore resident.

“We come here once a month,” said Estera Padineant, a Mill Creek resident. “She loves it here,” Padineant said pointing to her 2-year-old daughter, Ava.

The “University Book Store itself remains a healthy business and will focus on its five Puget Sound area locations and a growing e-commerce business at ubookstore.com,” Little said.

“We are sincerely grateful for the many friendships made and partnerships formed, but retail and the way that people shop are rapidly evolving. We believe that our Trust, which governs our operations, will be better served by focusing on our campus stores and our website.”

The Seattle-based University Book Store is a corporate trust governed by an 11-member board of trustees consisting of University of Washington students, faculty and staff andCEO Louise Little.

“We look forward to continuing to serve you at our Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma locations, and at ubookstore.com.”

The book store is a forum for author events and book readings, and also hosts a score of book clubs for children and adults.

Janice Podsada; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3097; Twitter: JanicePods.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019.  Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko ousts its CEO after 14 months

The company, known for its toy figures based on pop culture, named Michael Lunsford as its interim CEO.

The livery on a Boeing plane. (Christopher Pike / Bloomberg)
Former Lockheed Martin CFO joins Boeing as top financial officer

Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer is being replaced by a former CFO at… Continue reading

Izaac Escalante-Alvarez unpacks a new milling machine at the new Boeing machinists union’s apprentice training center on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists union training center opens in Everett

The new center aims to give workers an inside track at Boeing jobs.

Some SnoCo stores see shortages after cyberattack on grocery supplier

Some stores, such as Whole Foods and US Foods CHEF’STORE, informed customers that some items may be temporarily unavailable.

People take photos and videos as the first Frontier Arlines flight arrives at Paine Field Airport under a water cannon salute on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Water cannons salute Frontier on its first day at Paine Field

Frontier Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in offering service Snohomish County passengers.

Amit B. Singh, president of Edmonds Community College. 201008
Edmonds College and schools continue diversity programs

Educational diversity programs are alive and well in Snohomish County.

A standard jet fuel, left, burns with extensive smoke output while a 50 percent SAF drop-in jet fuel, right, puts off less smoke during a demonstration of the difference in fuel emissions on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sustainable aviation fuel center gets funding boost

A planned research and development center focused on sustainable aviation… Continue reading

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Pharmacist John Sontra and other employees work on calling customers to get their prescriptions transferred to other stores from the Bartell Drugs Pharmacy on Hoyt Avenue on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Bartell Drugs location shutters doors in Everett

John Sontra, a pharmacist at the Hoyt Avenue address for 46 years, said Monday’s closure was emotional.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.