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Rob, Roseann, Sal
Bob Esposito of Branford Book & Card Shoppe recalled his first day of store ownership. “I couldn’t sleep. I had my keys in place and hoped my car would start,” he said.
The last day of 2017 will mark the end of a 44-year Branford tradition. Dec. 31 will be the last day of business for Branford Book and Card Shoppe.
The closing is no surprise. Owner Bob Esposito, who is 77, has been vocal about his desire to retire. The business was on the market for about three years with a few bites but no final offers.
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It’s a seven-day-a-week proposition with long hours, not for the faint of heart. A steady stream of customers look to buy newspapers and lottery tickets.
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There’s always the best selection of magazines and books of every genre.
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Add to that a huge inventory of cards…
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Branford-insignia’ed merchandise, sweets …
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and gift items.
He’s been at the store just about every day along with his sister, Roseann Baroncini, who has been at the counter for 40 years, and son Sal, who also owns P.S. Fine Stationers next door.
Esposito’s plans for retirement are indefinite, but first he must see his wife Maria through hip replacement surgery. He had a taste of retirement earlier this year when he traveled to Italy to visit relatives.
A retirement sale has been ongoing for a couple of months, but kicked into high gear recently with most merchandise 60 percent off. Magazines – yes, that huge selection – were three for $10, all books 50 percent off.
Esposito is unsure about the future of the space. Retail is a tough business, and he said he may subdivide it. He plans on retaining ownership of the block, which is occupied by Key Bank, P.S. Stationers, and several apartments.
The block has been an integral part of Branford’s history. Indeed Branford Book & Card has had only two owners in more than eight decades – Esposito and Art Cooper. The business survived a fire in 1971, which destroyed much of the block. A plaque acknowledges The Totoket House, built by the grandfather of President Rutherford B. Hayes, Ezekiel Hayes.
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This reporter first starting buying books at the corner store even before it opened under the Espositos in 1973. Here is one of her favorites, dated Dec. 31, 1964, “Six Plays by Rodgers and Hammerstein.” She loves this book. And this store.
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Esposito said that one of his last memories of the store will be that of many smiling faces and teary eyes.
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If the new occupants of the BCC space are half as nice, friendly, helpful, caring as the Esposito's have been, Branford will be an even better town. It is worth noting that this closing is a function of our changing needs, and of the way we relate to each other. God bless.