University officials are currently in talks about bringing a used bookstore into the vacant spot next to Philly Diner, formerly part of the ill-fated 1950s-themed diner Eat at Joe's.
The retail location next to Philly Diner has been vacant ever since Eat at Joe's closed in July 2000.
While plans have not yet been finalized, the University anticipates making a deal soon.
"We are talking to a few used bookstore owners," said Omar Blaik, vice president for facilities services. "If there is someone we know who is interested and has a collection of used books, we think the university would benefit a lot from several used bookstores."
The House of Our Own bookstore, located at 3920 Spruce St., also carries used books in its inventory. Co-owner Debbie Sanford said she was "concerned" about the potential opening of another bookstore.
"Adding another bookstore in this weak economy may cause us some problems, but we've been here for 30 years, selling new and used books," Sanford said. "Over that time, we've seen other bookstores come and go."
Keith Helmuth, manager of the independent Penn Book Center, said he felt the new store would not cut into his business.
"I don't think it would affect us at all," Helmuth said. "We're not a used bookstore."
Helmuth said he thought the addition of a used bookstore would benefit the University community.
"Books don't stay in print as long as they used to and I think there are people that are looking for used books," he said. "There's several really good used bookstores in the city and I know people in the University go there."
Blaik said members of the Penn community have expressed a desire for another used bookstore on campus.
"We've heard quite a bit from the faculty and student groups over the past few years and used books are in strong demand," Blaik said.
Helmuth expressed concern about the University's selection of an operator.
It would be better "if it were a carefully stocked bookstore with someone who is specifically operating to develop a used book trade," Helmuth said. "I would hope it would be done that way and not just be a big merchandise operation like a Walmart of bookstores."
Blaik also mentioned several other ideas officials were considering for filling the remaining vacant retail spaces on campus, including an art supply store, a teahouse, a dessert shop and a household supply store.
"The interesting thing is that you have retailers out there who are used to suburban locations," Blaik said, explaining that store operators are often afraid to invest in an urban environment like Penn's. "We have Freshgrocer that's proved them wrong. We just need to be tenacious and keeping our focus on attracting these retailers."
