Now the LA Times has run a lengthy piece looking at the succession plans Michael Powell has for Portland's Powell's Books, the biggest bookstore west of the Mississippi. There are actually several bookstores, including an airport outlet and a bookstore just for cooks, but the flagship store takes up a full city block in the middle of downtown Portland. They've been selling books online since 1994, and they sell new and used right next to each. Every night you can go to Powells and expect to see a big name author. But now the LA Times says their business is flat, when it should be growing, and there are some questions about whether Michael's daughter, 29 year old Emily, can successfully take over the business.
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