Firefly & Fox Bookstore is preparing for its next chapter after unexpectedly being told it needed to leave its current home — but owner Catherine Wiebe says the move is opening the door to an even bigger future for the popular downtown business.
Wiebe says the bookstore was informed by Kingfisher Café at the end of June that it had to vacate its Norfolk Street North location by Sept. 1.
While the news came as a surprise, she says the team has chosen to see it as an opportunity to grow and better serve the community — starting with a sale.
Rather than closing for an extended period, Firefly & Fox has arranged a series of temporary pop‑up locations to continue serving readers while its permanent home is prepared.
The first pop‑up shop will open Monday at Joy Bakery Café on Robinson Street, where customers will also be able to pick up special orders.
Later in August, the bookstore will also have pop‑up locations inside Speech Hens on Argyle Street and Art With Heart Studio on Norfolk Street North.
Wiebe said the outpouring of support from other local businesses has been incredible.
She says the temporary locations will feature a smaller, curated selection of books until the new store opens, which is currently planned for around Thanksgiving.
While the exact address remains a secret, she confirmed a few details.
The bookstore has been dropping clues about the new location on social media, although Wiebe joked that they are not the mystery buyer of the former Clarence’s Clearances building.
She also added that the move has highlighted just how important the bookstore is to many people in Norfolk County — something she does not take for granted.
Firefly & Fox will remain open at its current location through Aug. 15, with the moving sale continuing until then before the bookstore begins its transition to its temporary pop‑up locations ahead of reopening in its new downtown home later this fall.
