Bibliobar —> 1024 E. 15th St., Rack & Relic —> 1018 E. 15th St.
The shopping landscape of Downtown Plano will soon change as Bibliobar moves into the Lyla’s space and turns the current location into Rack & Relic.
In July, Lyla’s boutique owner Meagan Wauters announced on Facebook that the store would be closing this year to allow her to focus on her Rockwall location.
Bibliobar owner Chelsea Tresp announced last week that Bibliobar would be taking over the Lyla’s space and turning the current space into a consignment/vintage shop.
“This move means so much to us; it shows that we have been really embraced by our community. Our stock can be a little polarizing, and the fact that so many people feel safe and welcome in our space really speaks to what we are building,” Tresp says. “In the new space, we are excited to have more areas for our customers, and now friends, to really spend time in the store. We plan to have a living room nook to make it easier for our book clubs to meet, a bigger kids section, a crafting table with a few supplies, and bigger and better events, and a bigger book selection, and of course a bar! Not to get alcohol at (one day maybe), but to hang out and spend time with us or to just work or read for a few hours.”
Tresp will begin work on the space on Sept. 7, aiming to be finished for an early October launch. Once the Bibliobar items are moved over, the location will become Rack & Relic.
“Rack & Relic is going to be a true Downtown collective where any member of the community can rent their own small space for two weeks and sell their items, whether that is a closet cleanout, upcycled vintage, handmade items or a test case for a boutique,” she says. “We wanted to make sure that we maintained more retail in downtown Plano, which is the inspiration behind keeping our 1018 building for Rack & Relic. People in Downtown are always saying they miss the old antique and vintage stores, so we are bringing that back with a twist!”
Tresp is currently fundraising for the new location to build new built-ins, fill the now-doubled space with inventory and turn the space into a cozy third space. She is also seeking item donations and volunteers.
“We were not anticipating moving, but the opportunity came along, and we could not pass it up. … We are not a bookstore backed by private equity; we are backed by the people who love our store and choose to support us with their hard-earned dollars. We wanted to give people the chance to buy into the new space, whether that is by donating and getting a discount on future purchases or by their blood, sweat, and alphabetizing skills!”
Those who donate money will receive scaled discounts on future purchases. Items needed are bookcases, tables, chairs, couches and other furniture. Volunteers can do woodworking, painting, murals and other physical labor.
“All help is welcome! On our first day of posting asking for volunteers, we received 25 responses, and that is not including the 5-10 people that are serious regulars that have already volunteered! This is really a community space and event,” Tresp says.
The store will also be selling Bibliobar merch upon the grand opening, designed by Bibliobar social media coordinator Sara Hayes.