Women & Children First on the Market

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Chicago's Women & Children First is now on the market.

Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon, the owners of Chicago’s Women & Children First (W&CF), one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country, are looking for a new owner to take over the business they began 34 years ago.

Christophersen and Bubon are hoping to find someone who is dedicated to feminism, is family-oriented, and will carry on the mission and traditions of the store, which they founded to promote the work of women writers and to create a place in which all women could find books that reflect their own, individual interests. “We’re pretty committed to that,” said Christophersen.

The co-owners are not focusing on a deadline for the sale. “We’re more interested in finding the right person to carry the store forward,” Christophersen said. “We’re happy to take our time while we look.”

Sales have increased at Women & Children First in the past two years, and the business is debt-free, but Christophersen and Bubon are starting to think about retirement or transitioning to part-time work. “We feel we don’t have as much energy as we used to,” said Christophersen. “The store can benefit from a newer, fresher owner who is excited about the prospect of owning a bookstore and has enough energy to have new ideas and see them through.”


Owners Linda Bubon (left) and Ann Christophersen (right) are looking for a new owner to take over their 34-year-old store.

Though Bubon and Christophersen are looking forward to having more time on their hands for activities such as traveling, spending time with family, and –– of course –– reading, they would be happy to stay connected to the store under new ownership and would be open to working part time. Bubon also hopes to continue leading the store’s weekly story time for children.

They both also plan to get more involved in the many cultural events and activities that Chicago has to offer. Christophersen is looking forward to volunteering more and taking classes. Bubon, who has a passion for free speech issues and sales tax fairness, plans to become more engaged in lobbying for issues that affect the book industry. “That is something that excites me,” she said.

Since its opening in 1979 in a small storefront, W&CF has moved twice and is now located in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, a thriving, diverse community, just north of Wrigley Field. In its 3,400 square feet, W&CF features an inventory of more than 30,000 books, including titles by and about women, children’s books for all ages, and the best of lesbian and gay fiction and nonfiction, as well as cards, magazines, blank books and journals, calendars, CDs, gift items, and pride products.

Christophersen and Bubon encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about the store to contact them at [email protected] or [email protected].