McNally Jackson to Open New Location in South Street Seaport

McNally Jackson Books, an independent bookstore with a location in SoHo, is opening a second location in Manhattan's financial district. Founded in 2006 by Sarah McNally, the SoHo location has since become a mainstay in the Manhattan book and coffee scene. McNally herself hails from a family of Canadian booksellers, and after spending much of her twenties pursuing other interests, she found herself drawn back into the business. Shortly after marrying Christopher Jackson, whom she had been working with in publishing, McNally opened her own bookstore on Prince Street.

Howard Hughes Corporation has been investing in the development of the Seaport District in Lower Manhattan over the past couple of years, according to Chain Store Age. In October, they announced a new lease agreement with McNally Jackson, with plans to open shop in 2017.

“It should be opening in two years, give or take,” said a McNally Jackson employee working at the SoHo location. “It’ll be worth the wait, though.”

If it's anything near what  the Soho location of McNally Jackson offers  its customers, this employee will certainly be right. At its current location, there are hundreds of books for sale in nearly every genre. From Russian literature to contemporary novels, McNally Jackson is not lacking in literary variety. The shop also sells journals and stationary, as well as custom-printed books. Though it is unannounced whether or not the downtown location will offer this service, the Soho location has printed over 50,000 paperback books inside its own doors.

“This service is unique. The customers love it,” said the same employee. “We can print personalized messages in classic books. They make great gifts.”

Not only does McNally Jackson offer a variety of unique books, it also offers organic coffee and tea in its cafe, along with food from local sellers.

“We don’t know for sure, but I think the downtown store is supposed to be about the same as this one,” said the employee.

One thing that is for certain is that the cafe is one of the most beloved parts of the McNally Jackson bookshop.

“I come here a few times a week, just for a mocha. It’s the best part of my week,” said Becca, a regular McNally Jackson visitor from the Manhattan's financial district. “It will be so great once the other store opens. I’ll probably be there everyday.”