Tattered Cover Files for Bankruptcy — Here’s What You Need to Know

Denver is about to write a new chapter in its culture and history. Unfortunately, the beloved Tattered Cover just filed for bankruptcy on October 16, 2023. For many Colorado natives and longtime residents, the iconic independent bookstore has always been a jewel in our city’s landscape — a major attraction for locals and tourists alike. (Who remembers the original location in Cherry Creek?)

Photo: Lucy Beaugard / Tattered Cover

For now, the future is unclear for the popular bookstore. However, let’s hope the story has a happy ending for Denver and bookworms everywhere. 

Here’s what we know now so far about the 52-year-old bookstore’s future:

All customer gift cards will be honored and orders will continue to be fulfilled without interruption.

Tattered Cover will close three locations, including Denver’s McGregor Square, Westminster and Colorado Springs, starting October 23, 2023 and expected to be completed by early November.

Inventory and technology from the three closing locations will be transferred to the store’s four other locations, including Colfax Ave., Union Station, Aspen Grove Shopping Center and Stanley Marketplace, where it will be business as usual with much improved inventory.

Events currently scheduled for October and November 2023 at the closing locations will be rescheduled to take place at the store’s remaining locations, if possible. All event information will be updated on TatteredCover.com.

The TatteredCover.com site will continue to operate and fulfill orders as normal.

Tattered Cover’s “Friends of Tattered Cover” loyalty program and related benefits will continue without interruption, including private shopping events for members to be scheduled during the holidays.

Tattered Cover’s Denver International Airport locations will continue operating as part of a license agreement with Hudson Bookstores.

At least 27 staff positions out of Tattered Cover’s current 103 positions will be impacted by the closures. Some impacted employees may fill temporary seasonal positions at the remaining locations during the holiday season. The company is working to develop severance packages for eligible employees affected by the closures.

Let us know your favorite Tattered Cover stories or memories below.