Amazon Bookstore Cooperative
| Company type | Cooperative |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bookstore, retail |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Rosina Richter Christy, Julie Morse Quist |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Books, feminist and lesbian literature |
Amazon Bookstore Cooperative was a feminist-oriented bookstore located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which operated from 1970 until 2012. At one stage, it stood as the sole lesbian and feminist bookstore within the United States. The name drew inspiration from the legendary Amazons, representing strong and autonomous women. Following the establishment of Amazon.com in 1994, the bookstore encountered legal disputes that culminated in a minor settlement and a mandate to alter its name to 'Amazon Bookstore Collective' to prevent brand confusion.
Early years
Established in 1970 by Rosina Richter Christy and Julie Morse Quist, Amazon started as a small-scale venture with its inventory housed in the collective’s front room, accessible only for limited hours or by appointment. After two years, it relocated to Minneapolis' Lesbian Resource Center before moving through various storefronts. The enterprise faced numerous hardships, including operating in a hazardous neighborhood and within a building lacking heating, both of which affected daily functions.
Lawsuit
In 1999, Amazon Bookstore Cooperative initiated legal action against Amazon.com over trademark infringement claims. The dispute was resolved in November of that year when Amazon Bookstore transferred its common law rights related to the Amazon name to Amazon.com; in exchange, Amazon.com granted a license permitting continued use of the name by Amazon Bookstore Cooperative.
True Colors
Although the business initially announced its closure at June’s end in 2008, new owners emerged to maintain its independent bookstore status. By late June, Ruta Skujins and her partner Joann Bell had assumed control. Due to trademark ownership held by Amazon.com, the store underwent rebranding in November 2008 as True Colors Bookstore, with both names used during the transition period. Financial challenges arose by late 2011, ultimately leading to the store’s closure in February 2012.
Influence and significance
Amazon was acknowledged as "the oldest independent feminist bookstore in North America" and is believed to be the longest-standing of its kind in the English-speaking world. Its impact extended well beyond its immediate region and national borders.
The bookstore also influenced popular culture; cartoonist Alison Bechdel drew upon her experiences there when creating Madwimmin Books, a fictional store featured in Dykes to Watch Out For.