{"id":2355,"date":"2026-06-13T16:04:24","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T16:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/durhammovinghub.com\/?p=2355"},"modified":"2026-06-13T16:04:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T16:04:24","slug":"popular-store-is-closing-in-downtown-apex-now-the-mayor-has-a-plea-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/durhammovinghub.com\/?p=2355","title":{"rendered":"Popular store is closing in downtown Apex. Now the mayor has a plea"},"content":{"rendered":"

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.<\/p>\n

Read our AI Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n

A popular store is closing in downtown Apex, and now the mayor has a plea.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor those who have the ability to spend locally, even small acts of support<\/a> can make a meaningful difference,\u201d Mayor Jacques Gilbert said Tuesday, June 9 in a video posted to Facebook.<\/p>\n

Read more The biggest Canes watch parties in the Triangle for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup<\/a><\/p>\n

Gilbert urged people to shop at downtown Apex businesses after Alleyway Bookstore shared that it will leave its space. The shop said it\u2019s facing rising costs<\/a> and changes to foot traffic during a construction project outside its building on Salem Street.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what we know about the closure of Alleyway and the town\u2019s plans to revamp Salem Street<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Alleyway opened in<\/a> 2024. The shop on its website said it sells used books that range from \u201ctimeless classics to modern bestsellers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the past two and a half years, it has been a shock to us to see how popular and successful you have made our quaint, little store,\u201d the shop wrote June 6 in an Instagram post, adding that it has gained more than 2,000 social media followers and dozens of five-star Google reviews.<\/p>\n

Now, Alleyway will stop welcoming customers Saturday, Aug. 15. The shop in an email to The News & Observer said it will suspend its book trade-in program as it prepares to close this summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis decision was not taken lightly,\u201d the store wrote. \u201cOur lease is ending in a few months and we had every intention on renewing that lease. We were presented with a 64% rent increase. As a small, used bookstore business, absorbing a sudden cost that high is simply not possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adding to the challenge, Alleyway said rent is going up \u201cat a time when there is major construction happening outside of our door, affecting our daily customer traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more Known for decadent biscuits, a beloved Durham brunch spot is closing for good<\/a><\/p>\n

During Alleyway\u2019s last days in downtown Apex, customers can redeem their gift cards and trade-in credits. Fans also can check for new arrivals at the store and follow @alleywaybooksnc on social media for updates about a potential new location.<\/p>\n

The town of Apex<\/a>, located southwest of Raleigh, has a nearly $4.4 million plan to re-design its main downtown thoroughfare of Salem Street.<\/p>\n

As of May 28, work was being done<\/a> to install light poles and soil cells, which will allow trees to grow. The project is set to be finished between early November and early January, according to an email the town shared with The N&O on Friday, June 12.<\/p>\n

During construction, parts<\/a> of Salem Street have been reduced to one-way or local car traffic. Sidewalks are open on both sides of the street throughout the project, according to the town\u2019s website and Facebook page.<\/p>\n

As Gilbert addressed the Alleyway closure, he said fellow downtown business Bella + Mauve Boutique shared it could have to make difficult decisions. Now, he\u2019s encouraging people to spend money at shops in the area.<\/p>\n

\u201cBehind every storefront is someone who took a risk, invested in our community, and believed in downtown Apex,\u201d the mayor wrote in his post. \u201cMany are facing significant economic challenges right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

This story has been updated with comment from the town and the bookstore.<\/i><\/p>\n

Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea you\u2019d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.<\/p>\n

Read more Fiber turns Corning into one of NC\u2019s hottest employers as union vote called<\/a><\/p>\n

You can submit your question by filling out this form<\/a><\/b>. <\/p>\n

This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 12:11 PM.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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