Evansville's Book Broker Closes Indefinitely
Independent specialty retailers in Evansville are reminded that legal and financial strain can end a longtime business.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Book Broker, a longtime Evansville shop at 2717 Covert Ave. known for books, movies, trading cards, comics, and collectibles, has closed indefinitely. Owner Teresa Stillabower announced the closure in a Facebook post over the weekend, and the post drew more than 800 comments.
Why it matters
The store closed due to legal and financial problems, and longtime owner Tom Stillabower is battling serious health issues. Teresa Stillabower has said she holds out hope the shop could reopen, but no reopening plan has been announced.
Book Broker has operated in some form since 1975 and at 2717 Covert Ave. since 1998, after rotating through several locations across town under previous owner Chuck Redding. The closure announcement alone drew more than 800 comments, a sign of the store's community footprint in Evansville.
The players
Book Broker
An independent Evansville retailer selling books, movies, trading cards, comics, and collectibles, operating since 1975.
Teresa Stillabower
Owner who announced the closure and says she hopes the shop can reopen.
Tom Stillabower
Longtime owner of Book Broker, currently battling serious health issues.
The details
Book Broker sells books, movies, trading cards, comics, and collectibles, and it previously operated as a video rental store. The shop's history includes several moves before settling on Covert Avenue in 1998. Closures of independent specialty retailers like this one often reflect a combination of thin margins and debt obligations, though the store has only attributed its closure to legal and financial problems.
Timeline
1975: Book Broker first began operating.
1998: Book Broker moved to 2717 Covert Ave.
Over the weekend before November 2, 2026: Closure announced on Facebook.
Market Landscape
Book Broker's history mirrors the broader shift away from video rental, which it once operated as, toward specialty collectibles and books. Independent specialty shops like this one compete against larger chains and online sellers, and their survival often depends on sustaining a loyal local customer base.
Operators of independent specialty retailers should review their own debt obligations and legal exposure, since the closure was attributed to legal and financial problems. Customers who rely on the store for trading cards and collectibles may need to source them elsewhere while the closure lasts.
The takeaway
Independent retailers facing financial strain should consult a qualified accountant or attorney early, before debt or legal issues force a closure. Watch for any announcement from the store's owners regarding a possible reopening.
Further reading
For more on other local shifts, browse Openings & Closings coverage across the Evansville business scene.
