Save Jan's: Relocation Fund Needed

Hi! I’m Lori, current owner of Jan’s. Jan’s opened in 1981 in Aloha. In 2018, after 37 years, Jan’s lost the lease in Aloha and had to move with 3 months notice. I found what I thought would be the perfect spot for the store to live in forever. 6 years later there have been multiple rent raises pricing the store out of the space at $4000/month. I’ve spent the last 6 years making Downtown Beaverton my home and I am absolutely heartbroken at the thought of moving the store away. Making the final decision came down to staying in Downtown Beaverton and potentially having to close in the next 6 months or moving the store somewhere more affordable and helping Jan’s survive for another 43 years.

The Jan's legacy has been one I've been proud to be a part of; a bookstore that had been independently owned by women for 43 years! I love that I get to be the shepherd for that kind of legacy. As a woman in the queer community, I knew I wanted to create a safe space for people to feel wanted and welcome. I focused on holding community events with other businesses in Downtown Beaverton, hosting book clubs with a wide range of topics, and working with non-profits to support where I could. Then the 2020 pandemic happened, and I went into a whole other scenario of owning a business. Jans' focus became helping people stay safe, but also to stay sane. It was quickly discovered how important having some kind of social outlet was, and the bookstore became the only social outlet for so many people. While I never want to go through a time like that again, I will say I walked away with an amazing community that I don’t know if I could have built any other way.

Through the years of cultivating our new books selection, I knew the importance of representation. I wanted to ensure that all voices were seen on Jan’s shelves. I wanted kids to find joy in knowing there were books they recognized themselves in. I wanted adults to find stories that could speak to their experiences. I wanted to help give space for exposure to artists and authors who might not have as many access points. The publishing industry widens it’s lens every day, but to continue to expand its selection, we have to keep spending money on books with diverse representation.

We’re celebrating 6 years in this location this August and I can say that Jan’s has become a welcome space for everyone. People have found their place here; friendships, connection, community. As much as I wish it were otherwise, if we want Jan’s to continue to exist and survive, we need to find Jan’s a new home. We need to reduce costs and get into a building that has less concerns.

In an effort to stop the monthly $4k expense, I’m giving notice on August 1st that Jan’s will be out of this space by August 31st. Which means, this is gonna go fast. Luckily, we’ve already moved once so I know I can get the store moved in a week. If we don’t find a location by August 15th, we can change our initial plan from moving to a new location to moving everything into storage in the interim until we find a place. There are expenses either way, but ultimately cheaper then staying.

When Jan’s moved in 2018 it took about $30k overall to get the location rezoned and the bookstore moved. I’m hoping to find a space that doesn’t require much build out, but unfortunately that means I don’t know how much we’ll need to move Jan’s. I’m asking for $20k because I know some of the expenses we’re looking at, and I know there are potential large expenses that might crop up. It’s the closest number I can get to that I think will cover most scenarios.

I’ve made a breakdown of what expenses I know we’ll have and an estimate on the others.

**edited to include actual expenses**

$1280 to remove sign and store up to 3 months. - Needs to be completed before August 31st

$2024 - 4 months of storage

$100 - moving truck and gas

$7000 an estimate of how much will be needed to cover first and last at the new location. This doesn't cover if a deposit is needed.

$3500 potential one month of spare rent while getting the new location open and operating.

$3000 payroll while the store isn't open normal hours.

Remodel new space

My plan to the end will be to keep Jan’s alive, and I think with this community we can do that. To everyone that is pitching in their time, energy and good thoughts, my appreciation knows no bounds. I never thought I would find such amazing support and community simply by owning a bookstore. I am truly devastated that I had to make this decision, but everyone’s support has made me realize that it’s going to be ok.

Thank you Downtown Beaverton for allowing Jan’s to grow here. Thank you to all the business owners that have been so supportive to us. Thank you to all the customers that have been deep diving into all the projects to help find us a new space and ways to make money. Thank you to all the volunteers and workers that continue to show up and keep the store moving. Seriously, when I say there are no bounds to my gratitude, I mean it.

Here’s to the next chapter of Jan’s!