After 14 years in business in downtown Traverse City, Brilliant Books is closing its Front Street retail store.

The company sent an email to customers Friday stating that the store will be closing in the near future. "While this was an incredibly difficult decision, and we are heartbroken it has come to this, this is not the final chapter for Brilliant Books," the email states. "For nearly two decades, it has been our privilege to be a part of this wonderfully bookish community, and we are deeply grateful for your support. The physical store may be closing, but you will continue to be able to shop the website as usual. Brilliant Books Monthly will also be continuing with as few disruptions to service as possible. This next chapter may look different, but Brilliant Books' commitment to a vibrant, book-loving community remains strong."

The business said its top priority is to "fulfill our commitments to all of our patrons." That includes delivering books that have already been preordered and honor outstanding gift certificates as well as current Brilliant Books Monthly Subscriptions. Questions about orders, credits, or subscriptions can be emailed to life@Brilliant-Books.net.

Brilliant Books said store hours will be shortened in the coming weeks. "Nothing will change with subscriptions, gift cards, membership benefits, special orders, or advance preorders," the email states. "All will be fulfilled as usual." The company is also "still moving forward with our used books program. You are welcome to bring in used books for a small credit or donate them to the store."

The business said there is not yet a "final timeline for our retail closure, but we will do our best to keep everyone updated on both the physical store's wind-down and our plans for the future. Thank you for being the best part of Brilliant Books for all these years, and we hope to see you in the next chapter."

Brilliant Books opened on Front Street in 2011. Founded by Peter Makin, the business first started in Suttons Bay in 2007 - with that location closing in 2013.