“We see ourselves as stewards of the Curious George brand,” Hirsch said.
Curious George & Friends, the bookstore which previously occupied the location, shut its doors in summer 2011 admist a series of closings of independent bookstores in the Harvard Square area.
Given the current precarious economic climate for small businesses, Hirsch said that he is aware of the risks of opening a bookstore at this time.
Hirsch said that in order for his store to remain afloat, “there has to be an element of uniqueness.”
He hopes that their reinvigorated economic model, unusal selection of goods, and iconic location will allow Curious George to once again become a mainstay of the Cambridge community.
The store will host its official grand opening on Saturday, April 28.
—Staff writer Laura K. Reston can be reached at laurareston@college.harvard.edu.