Book Depository to shut down on April 26
Book Depository, the popular United Kingdom-based online bookstore which has been the go-to place for bookworms all over the world, is shutting down its operations on April 26.
The closure comes after its parent company Amazon announced that it will "eliminate" a number of positions across its Devices and Books businesses, according to The Guardian. The Irish Times also reported that Amazon cited an "uncertain economy" and rapid hiring over the last several years which, it said, could affect the "long-term health" of its businesses.
"We are sorry to let you know that Book Depository will be closing on 26 April 2023," the bookstore announced on April 4.
It told patrons that they may still place orders until 12 p.m. BST (7 p.m. Manila time) that day, and delivery for purchases and support for order issues will continue until June 23. It also shared its frequently asked questions page in line with the shutdown.
"From all of us at Book Depository we want to say 'thank you,'" it said. "Delivering your favorite reads to you since 2007 has been a pleasure."
Book Depository was founded in 2004 by Stuart Felton and Andrew Crawford, a former Amazon employee. It aimed to challenge Amazon by selling "less of more" rather than "more of less." Amazon eventually acquired Book Depository in 2011.
The store contains over 20 million titles encompassing several literary genres and subject matters. It's also been notable for free delivery worldwide.
"OMG. You were always the best for Manga. We will be lost without Book Depository," one user said in the comments section of the store's Facebook post, which has received over 20,000 reactions (mostly "Sad"), 4,000 comments, and 6,500 shares.
"So devastated to hear this news. Thank you so much for the joy in the wonderful books you send with the cutest bookmarks," another user said.
"Thank you so much for serving readers all over the world, especially during quarantine times, it’s been a great pleasure every time waiting for the parcel to come," another one said. "All the best to the team, hope you’ll return one day!"