> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Midnight Special Bookstore nears final chapter - URL: https://www.smdp.com/midnight-special-bookstore-nears-final-chapter/ - Published: 2002-07-10T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T00:28:26.000Z - Author: Andrew Fixmer - Tags: Business, Promenade, #archive-import *Independent store to move off Promenade* After nearly two decades of stirring political sentiment along the Third Street Promenade, Midnight Special Bookstore will close its doors by the end of the year. The politically left-leaning book store is closing on the Promenade because rents along the outdoor mall have increased well above what the store can afford to pay, said the store’s owner, Margie Ghiz. For more than 10 years, Midnight Special’s landlord, Wally Marks, has subsidized the store’s rent, allowing it to maintain a visible presence on the Promenade. According to Ghiz, Marks passionately believed in the store and tried to encourage its success. “He built this beautiful store because he believed in us,” Ghiz said. “The whole family has given a tremendous amount of support. They have been the kind of landlords communities need.” However, circumstances no longer permit the Marks family to continue their “substantial” subsidy, Ghiz said. She is now looking for new locations throughout the Los Angeles area, though local officials are trying to keep the store in Santa Monica. “We are going to do whatever we can to keep them in the downtown,” said Kathleen Rawson, executive director of the Bayside District Corp. — which manages the Promenade in partnership with the city. “We’re on it. I hope we find something. I am optimistic, but I guess I have to be.” The Midnight Special Bookstore was started 32 years ago in Venice by civil rights activists, according to Ghiz. By the end of its first year, two of its founders had been arrested and jailed for refusing to give the FBI the names of their friends and customers who were attending anti-Vietnam War meetings. 5BA,“A proud beginning!” Ghiz reflected. While corporate chain bookstores carry a large and wide-ranging inventory, Midnight Special focuses on political and social titles. Ghiz wanted to turn the purchase of a book into a political act. “We don’t do this to make money,” Ghiz said. “We do what we do to make a difference.” Ghiz complained that the mega-chain bookstores don’t have a voice or express a point of view. But their popularity has influenced how people now view the purpose of bookstores, she said. But at Midnight Special, the whole concept is to make people think for themselves and be exposed to new ideas, Ghiz said. “People are beginning to think a good bookstore doesn’t have a point of view, but it’s unpatriotic not to have a point of view,” she said. “I feel that if you are going to have a bookstore, you are not only going to have the books but you have to have a space to discuss them with somebody else. > “People are beginning to think a good bookstore doesn’t have a point of view, but it’s unpatriotic not to have a point of view.” — — MARGIE GHIZ Midnight Special owner “That’s why we had the poetry readings, so people could have a place to be poets and say what they have to say and others could hear that,” she added. Word of the shop’s imminent closing spread fast along the Promenade Tuesday afternoon. Ardent customers were devastated at the news. “This is the best resource for books that are hard to find — it’s a small place and it’s not one of these huge conglomerates,” said Jamie Altshule. “They are a part of what is cool about Santa Monica, and it’s the only decent place left on the Promenade.” For others, the store represents a place to find new ideas. “They have absolutely the best poetry section around,” said Jess Tucker. “I do all my general book shopping there.” Operators of other independent book stores on the Promenade said they are crushed to hear Midnight Special will be leaving. Some said they too may pack up if the rents do not cool off. Retail space is going for more than $7 a square foot, officials say. “You pay a premium to be on the Promenade,” said Douglas Woods, manager of Hennessey & Ingalls — an art and architecture book store. “I think the remaining independents are asking if it’s worth paying that premium — and so far the answer has been a resounding ‘no.’” Woods said Hennessey & Ingalls has been considering moving its shop off the Promenade for a while. “Eventually, we’ll go,” he said. “But if we move, we’ll be somewhere in the city. We don’t want to leave town.” Lee Kaplan, owner of Arcana — an art book shop, said to succeed on the Promenade, independent book stores must specialize their content and provide stellar customer service. “We know where the books are and we have a knowledgeable staff,” he said. “That’s what you have to do.” Kaplan’s store has been on the Promenade since the early 1980s, before the area was revitalized. Back then there were numerous new and used book stores because there was plenty of large spaces with cheap rent, he said. “We’ll still be on the Promenade for years,” Kaplan said. “It’s not an ideal location but it would be a nightmare for us to move.” PULLQUOTE: People are beginning to think a good bookstore doesn’t have a point of view, but it’s unpatriotic not to have a point of view.” Margie Ghiz, Midnight Special owner ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/071002-01_01.jpg) A consumer passes by the Midnight Special Bookstore toting a bag from Barnes & Noble.The independent store can’t compete on the Promenade any longer. (Photo: Andrew H. Fixmer/Daily Press) *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 10, 2002.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/071002.pdf?ref=smdp.com)