Storyopolis Readies for Fresh Start in Encino

For a child, no electronic gadget can replace an actual book. Beyond the words and pictures on the page, sometimes it’s simply the experience of holding the book, turning the pages and running your fingers along the rows of spines on the shelves in a bookstore that stimulates a child's mind and makes memories.

That's one of the reasons why Storyopolis owner Lori Abramowitz is moving her upscale children’s bookstore to 16740 Ventura Blvd. in Encino, with plans to open the first week of March. The store was previously on a wobbly month-to-month lease in Sherman Oaks and ready for a fresh start, she said.

“Where can you go for children’s books now?” Abramowitz asked. “You can’t teach a baby to use an iPad or a Kindle or a Nook. Kids need books. So I’m hoping I’m going to be that bookstore."

Abramowitz has created a dreamlike store for infants and children up to age 12. The walls are painted bright yellow, orange, green and blue. And the shelves—filled with countless books, toys, games, puzzles and stuffed animals—are organized by theme. Fancy Nancy and her fellow princess books are on one end, Where the Wild Things Are and other picture books are on the other, and the Dr. Seuss collection is in the middle.

In many ways, the bookstore is a chicer version of Meg Ryan's friendly Shop Around the Corner in her 1998 romantic comedy You've Got Mail. The staff knows every book in the store and can make recommendations for customers.

But one can’t help by wonder, what will make Storyopolis succeed when every other bookstore in our area has lost its shelf life?

When Barnes & Noble , our community was devastated. It seemed ironic, considering big-box retailers have been known to push out small mom-and-pop businesses.

Then Borders announced Wednesday that it would be filing for bankruptcy protection and close about 200 stores. The nearby Borders on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks will be one of the three Los Angeles locations to close its doors in about a month.

It is clear that even the largest booksellers are not immune to the effects of the explosive growth of the online book businesses and e-readers. But Abramowitz is hoping the demise of superstore chains will revitalize her neighborhood bookstore.

Storyopolis was founded by Microsoft co-creator Paul Allen in 1994. He opened the bookstore on Robertson Boulevard 20 years ago and the Abramowitz family bought it from him when he sold it.

“My husband actually worked with Paul Allen in Seattle,” Abramowitz said. “My brother-in-law had purchased this store and we just kept it in the family. He decided to move to Dallas and I said, ‘I’ll take the bookstore, I’ll do it.’ ”

Combine Allen’s genius with Abramowitz’s passion, interior design background and attention to detail, and you have a success story. She has been able to adapt her business to stay afloat in the digital age by selling gift baskets called Book Bushels. The baskets are filled with themed books and toys, and decorated with ribbons and elaborate wrapping. The store has pre-designed packages for sale online, but customized baskets are available too.  

Oprah Winfrey has named the Book Bushel one of her favorite things, and other celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen, Steven Spielberg, Sarah Jessica Parker, Danny DeVito and Craig Ferguson have purchased them.

“Our main business has always been entertainment,” Abramowitz said of her large celebrity clientele. “That’s what keeps the store alive, because we’re not open right now.”

Now that the store is opening in Encino, she wants to put the focus back on the brick-and-mortar store. She also hopes the neighboring Harry Harris children’s shoe store will bring walk-in business, which was lacking at the former Sherman Oaks location.

Abramowitz, an Encino native who went to Lanai Road School and Birmingham High School, wants Storyopolis to be a place to bring kids for an after-school snack, story time or book-signings from celebrity authors.

“I think we’re going to be hanging chandeliers from the ceiling with toys hanging from them,” said Abramowitz as the store, filled with moving boxes, appeared to be taking shape. “It’s going to be very whimsical. When kids walk in, I want it to be really magical."