B Street Books is moving to Burlingame

“Lew has been instrumental in keeping the downtown association going, especially during COVID and when there was no staff,” Mackenzie Jakoubek, executive director of the Downtown San Mateo Association, said. “He kept the organization afloat for a long time.”

B Street Books has been able to weather a storm that many independent brick-and-mortar booksellers haven’t — adjusting to new consumer patterns focused on digital reading and online shopping. 

But it’s unfortunately not immune to rising costs, especially in an area that has seen property values skyrocket as a result of robust development. The store’s last day at its San Mateo location is April 21 and will reopen a new location in downtown Burlingame at 1471 Burlingame Ave.

“The [property owners] wanted to triple the rent, and we’re just a little used bookstore. It’s sad, especially in light of how much we’ve worked to make San Mateo a better place,” Cohen said. “Because of rents going up, it’s hard to maintain a shop where you can make money and still pay the rent, and this is replicated all across the country. … There are not too many used bookstores in San Mateo County anymore.” 

As the president of the DSMA, Cohen said he is proud that he and his peers have helped boost foot traffic for local businesses over the years. But with robust downtown development, real estate is only surging in value, which results in a select type of business that can afford the rent.

“It’s difficult because the city can’t dictate what types of business come in. It’s up to the property owner and what the demand is,” Cohen said. “So the businesses that can afford that are restaurants with bars or smaller spaces that don’t need a lot of square footage, like boba shops.” 

A new baby clothing store, Honey & Hive, plans to open downtown this month, and Jakoubek said she hopes that kick-starts even more retail business. 

“I think that there is interest, so hopefully more things will work out because what I’m hearing from the community is there is hunger for more retail,” Jakoubek said. 

B Street Books will retain its name at the Burlingame location. It will be next to the successful Gigglemugs, a children’s books, toys, gifts and candy store at 1461 Burlingame Ave.

And despite the move, Cohen said business has consistently improved year over year. 

“People have rediscovered books on paper. … We have seen an increase in business every year since the pandemic,” Cohen said. “I’m not getting rich selling books, but the stories and the people and the connections have just been great.”