Hey Books! opening in downtown San Diego on April 9

A new bookstore called Hey Books! is set to open in downtown San Diego on April 9. Located at 921 E St. in East Village, the store will offer a mix of used and new books. It will also feature art displays and host reading events. Matthew Hein and Anika Omark, the store's founders, hope to create a welcoming space for all book lovers. Omark noted that downtown San Diego has not had many bookstores in recent years. Previously, there were several, but they have all closed. Hein and Omark want to attract a diverse crowd, including locals, tourists, and visitors waiting for nearby restaurants. They believe that bookstores can foster connections and allow people to share their thoughts on various topics. Both founders have extensive backgrounds in the book industry. Omark has over 20 years of experience, while Hein has taught college English and worked in bookstores. They believe this is a promising time to start a bookstore, as more people want to support local shops and connect with fellow readers. Hey Books! will be open Wednesday through Sunday, and they encourage the community to visit and explore.