Lumber City Development Corporation recently announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Old Editions Bookshop and Gallery, located at 954 Oliver St., in the City of North Tonawanda. Old Editions Bookshop and Gallery sells used and rare books, prints, artwork, first editions, signed books, historical documents, collectible magazines and other memorabilia. Owner Ronald Cozzi has a vast collection of over 300,000 items that have been acquired over the years.
Old Editions Book Shop and Gallery has grown from a small second-hand bookstore that was started by Ronald Cozzi in 1976 into a retail operation that has accumulated over several hundred thousand books and magazines over the years. Cozzi opened his first bookstore on Hertel Avenue in 1976. After moving several times within the City of Buffalo to accommodate his collection, Cozzi purchased a 38,000 square foot building on East Huron Street, where the business has been located since 1995. As Old Editions shifted its business model to increase its online presence, the building on East Huron Street could no longer accommodate the business's needs.
In April 2017, Cozzi purchased the former Platter's Chocolates building located at 954 Oliver St. This 17,000 square foot building will allow Old Editions to right size for the business and focus on retail and online sales. A small retail component will still be part of the operation on Oliver Street. Old Editions offers something for every budget starting at $3, up to very rare collectable books and memorabilia.
Cozzi has been a certified appraiser and member of the prestigious Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America since 1995. Membership is restricted to the top booksellers in the United States, of which there are only 400 members. Cozzi volunteers as a book appraiser for the WNED/WBFO Antiques Home Show annually in May.
"Old Editions Bookshop will be a wonderful addition to the Oliver Street Corridor. This is a unique business that will draw book lovers from all over Western New York to North Tonawanda. This is a great next step towards Oliver Street revitalization," Michael Zimmerman, executive director of Lumber City Development Corporation said.
The public is invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration for Old Editions Bookshop and Gallery on Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at 954 Oliver St. in the City of North Tonawanda.
