After nearly two years in business, the Main Street comic book shop The Underground Beacon has announced that they are closing due to a rent increase and a terminally ill family member. This month will be their last, as they decline renewing their lease. Yet they aren’t going down without a fight, stating that they are open to new opportunities. From their Instagram post on Sunday, February 16, 2020:

“It's been nearly 2yrs in business, in that time we've met and served great people! Some of which we've become friends with. Which is why it saddens us to say that due to raising rent costs and a terminally ill family member, that we will not be able to renew our lease. Although we are open to suggestions or help such as getting investors, or taking on partners or even selling the business. As it stands now we will be closing our doors for good as early as the end of the month. We love you all and thank you, it has been a great pleasure being Beacon's comic shop!”

The Underground Beacon offered new comics, board games, card games, action figures, RPGs, weekly events and tournaments, and even skateboards. They were busy bees and launched the business with a new baby in an exersaucer behind the counter (who is walking by now).

The Underground Beacon replaced a clothing boutique, Lauren & Riley, who also announced a closure, but within days announced that the boutique would indeed stay open, but move to the other side of town, after a new landlord from the other end reached out with a new lease opportunity. The second rising of Lauren & Riley has since passed (replaced by Beacon Tintype, a mysterious photo creation studio), and L&R’s owner has moved on to focusing on her candle business, Beacon Candle Company.

Meanwhile, two days after The Underground Beacon’s closure post was published, a new post has emerged to promote their usual Wednesday release of new comic books. In it, followers are encouraged to keep it tuned to their Instagram for updates about the future of the store.

Were they approached by an investor?

Does a local comic book enthusiast have a vision that can keep the shop alive and thriving?

The lives of small businesses are always a page turner. Nothing is black and white. Business is personal. And sometimes, a pivot in the right direction changes everything.

Stay tuned…will this book release a sequel or new edition?

Most importantly, our thoughts are with them as their family enters this new phase of caring for loved ones.