Editor’s note: This November 2018 story has been updated to reflect the pending closure this week.

Aardvark Books, the 40-year-old San Francisco store whose building went on the market last summer, will close on Friday, Jan. 25.

“We made this decision partially for personal reasons,” the store wrote on Facebook. “However, we hope that you will continue to support other independent bookstores in San Francisco and around the Bay Area because we know how important your business is in these times.”

Aardvark Books’ home — a 3,125-square-foot building at 227 Church St. — was sold for $2.43 million on Oct. 28, according to the site Open Listings. The property had been on the market for $2.45 million and was listed at $2.8 million in 2017. The sale was first reported by Hoodline.

“We’re going to have to find employment,” Michael Jacomella, one of the store’s seven employees, said with a mordant laugh.

John Hadreas, the store’s owner, could not be reached for comment. “The store doesn’t make money anymore,” he told The Chronicle in 2017.

Aardvark Books, which stocked new and used titles, said it is selling the remainder of its books for 50 percent off.

Built in 1907, Aardvark’s building once housed the Electric Theatre movie house. The theater’s original vaulted tin ceiling exists to this day.

As for the bookstore’s beloved resident cat, the store wrote, “Don’t worry about Owen. He will be safe and housed!”