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Amazon closing UK-based online shop Book Depository | Amazon closing UK-based online shop Book Depository |
(about 4 hours later) | |
UK-based online store Book Depository is being closed down by its parent company, the US technology giant Amazon. | UK-based online store Book Depository is being closed down by its parent company, the US technology giant Amazon. |
Book Depository has told customers it will cease operations later this month after almost two decades in business. | Book Depository has told customers it will cease operations later this month after almost two decades in business. |
It comes after Amazon announced plans to cut thousands of jobs as it shakes up its businesses globally. | It comes after Amazon announced plans to cut thousands of jobs as it shakes up its businesses globally. |
The news was met with sadness by many of Book Depository's customers from around the world. | The news was met with sadness by many of Book Depository's customers from around the world. |
"We are sorry to let you know that Book Depository will be closing on 26 April 2023," the company said. | "We are sorry to let you know that Book Depository will be closing on 26 April 2023," the company said. |
Customers can continue to order books until midday UK time on its last day of trading, the company's website added. | Customers can continue to order books until midday UK time on its last day of trading, the company's website added. |
"I can confirm that we've taken the difficult decision to close Book Depository," an Amazon spokesperson told the BBC. | |
Book Depository was founded in 2004 by former Amazon employee Andrew Crawford and his business partner Stuart Felton. | Book Depository was founded in 2004 by former Amazon employee Andrew Crawford and his business partner Stuart Felton. |
The global online book retailer, which was bought by Amazon in 2011, has offices in London, Gloucester, Madrid, Cape Town and Chennai - with fulfilment centres in the UK and Australia. | The global online book retailer, which was bought by Amazon in 2011, has offices in London, Gloucester, Madrid, Cape Town and Chennai - with fulfilment centres in the UK and Australia. |
Thousands of Book Depository customers, including bestselling authors, reacted with sadness over the announcement. | Thousands of Book Depository customers, including bestselling authors, reacted with sadness over the announcement. |
"Sad to hear the news. A huge loss for all of us," New Zealand-based author and poet Lang Leav tweeted. | "Sad to hear the news. A huge loss for all of us," New Zealand-based author and poet Lang Leav tweeted. |
"My heart breaks," another Twitter user said. | "My heart breaks," another Twitter user said. |
This year, Amazon has been slashing thousands of jobs as it aims to make major cost savings. | This year, Amazon has been slashing thousands of jobs as it aims to make major cost savings. |
As part of the shakeup, the company announced changes to its book business, including the decision to stop selling magazines and newspaper subscriptions on its e-book device Kindle. | As part of the shakeup, the company announced changes to its book business, including the decision to stop selling magazines and newspaper subscriptions on its e-book device Kindle. |
In a blog post in January, chief executive Andy Jassy said a total of just over 18,000 roles would be cut across the company, including job losses in its book selling operation. | |
Mr Jassy referred to "the hard decision to eliminate a number of positions across our Devices and Books businesses". | |
Like much of the global technology industry, Amazon saw sales boom during the pandemic when customers were stuck at home. | Like much of the global technology industry, Amazon saw sales boom during the pandemic when customers were stuck at home. |
But more recently its sales have slowed down as consumers spend less due to the cost of living crisis. | But more recently its sales have slowed down as consumers spend less due to the cost of living crisis. |
Other companies, including Google and Facebook-owner Meta, have been grappling with how to balance cost-cutting measures with the need to remain competitive. | Other companies, including Google and Facebook-owner Meta, have been grappling with how to balance cost-cutting measures with the need to remain competitive. |
You may also be interested in: | You may also be interested in: |
The Amazon depot in Dartford has been processing millions of orders | The Amazon depot in Dartford has been processing millions of orders |
The Amazon depot in Dartford has been processing millions of orders | The Amazon depot in Dartford has been processing millions of orders |
Related Topics | Related Topics |
Amazon | Amazon |
Books | Books |
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