Southern Utah
Bookmark and Share

Zion Bookstore's Tony Weller
December 16th, 2009

Sam Weller's Bookstore responds to changing times by saying goodbye to Main Street and embracing the marriage of technology and literature

by Anand Rao

Tony Weller has seen Main Street closer and longer than most people around. From the large windows of Sam Weller's bookstore, he has looked out at the street, sinking in all the sights and sounds of change, growth, decadence, revival and more change for the last forty-seven years. After going through all the emotions of apprehension, frustration, disdain and dismay, Tony has decided to move the iconic bookstore elsewhere. "We will for sure continue to remain in downtown Salt Lake City," he says. Plans to make the move are underway and according to Tony, they are in the process of finalizing the new location.

Tony 
Weller
"The largest locally owned bookstore in
Salt Lake City is alone here." -Tony Weller

Tony took over the bookstore from his parents Sam and Lila who operated the store after Gustav and Margaret -- East German immigrants -- started the Zion's bookstore in 1929. From the time Sam Weller moved the store to Main Street in 1961, it has changed its name once and its collections, but has always remained a major landmark and an addictive haven for generations of book lovers.

"I am a casual student of local economics," says Tony, who is a strong advocate of the local enterprise. "Economic growth comes from investing in regular working people, not wealthy organizations that only increase the disparity between the rich and the poor," he adds. Having seen Main Street change its character over the years, Tony feels strongly about the demise or departure of small businesses that have made way for large national and international retail chains. "The largest locally owned bookstore in Salt Lake City is alone here," says Tony. "Online bookstores and declining literacy has cost us heavily," he says adding that the bookstore makes less profit than what it made several years ago. He compares the incursion of computers into the book industry to that of cameras into the world of painting. "Art has endured technology but has changed," he surmises. Tony's perceptions have been honed by his understanding of the pre-computer period and adapting it into his present business model.

To fight the new age problems, the bookstore at the new (yet to be decided) location promises to offer a unique experience to its customers. Without giving much away Tony mentioned that the bookstore will house a consortium of small businesses offering many services.

Tony 
Weller

"We want to evolve from a noun to a verb," says Tony with obvious excitement. Tony has said that besides the Coffee Garden the new store will operate as an art community market and gathering place for readings and poetry. When asked about a tentative date for the move, "If things go well, we will move today," Tony whispers.

Vist Zion Bookstore's homepage:

http://www.samwellers.com/















Enter your e-mail address
to subscribe to Utah Stories:

Support Utah Stories by visiting our local sponsors

Utah Stories Recommends