UK-based online retailer Book Depository to take last order by 7pm Hong Kong time on April 26 as it closes chapter on business
- Amazon-owned operator does not give any reason in statement indicating shutdown
- Local book lovers lament demise of site popular with some for lower prices and free shipping
British-based online store Book Depository has abruptly announced it will shut down on April 26, shocking some regular Hong Kong customers.
Local avid readers on Wednesday expressed disappointment at the closure, as they noted the retailer carried titles that could be up to 30 per cent cheaper than major chains such as Eslite Bookstore.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Book Depository informed users it would take its last order by 7pm Hong Kong time on April 26, without citing any reasons for the shutdown.
Owner Amazon had earlier revealed it would cut 18,000 positions across its services and book operations in 2023 amid what it called an uncertain economy. The United States e-commerce giant took over Book Depository in 2011.
The company is known for cheaper prices than at physical bookshops, even though its items can still be more expensive than those found on Amazon.
For avid readers in Hong Kong, Book Depository is a wider resource offering free shipping – even on a single order – and regular discounts.
For example, the paperback version of Atomic Habits by James Clear is priced at HK$139.47 (US$17) on Book Depository. By comparison, Bookazine lists it at HK$180 on its website, and the same title goes for HK$189 on Elephants.com.hk.
