MACON, Ga. — Comics Plus of Macon in downtown is closing its doors at the end of July.
The store has been a fixture of the Macon comic community for around 35 years, Jennifer Berkner said.
"It is emotional for me because I bought the store knowing it had a long history of being open," she said.
Berkner has been running Comics Plus for several years but says it's time for her next adventure.
“I thought I could juggle a business and school but it is too much for me,” Berkner said.
She said she loves being in downtown Macon because of how close-knit the community is and is proud to have made a safe space for people to enjoy comics.
“I will certainly miss everyone and I am glad kids nowadays no longer have to worry about getting bullied for reading a comic or playing games," Berkner said.
The store will officially close on July 31 and will have store-wide sales on July 30 and 31. The building where Comics Plus is currently located, on Second Street is also up for sale.
Berkner says because of the comic store's large inventory they have also been selling bulk lots to other stores.
“I will definitely miss the store and the wonderful customers I made. I will miss the smiles on the faces of kids the most after they bought their first card pack or comic book,” she said.
When asked if she had any last thoughts about Comics Plus of Macon closing, Berkner quotes inventor Alexander Graham Bell.
“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us," she said.