Hong Kong’s Swindon Book Store closes after 100 years in Business
In this article (5)
Swindon Book Co, one of the oldest bookstores in Hong Kong, will permanently close at the end of this month.
The 5000sqft Tim Sha Tsui venue, with its distinctive vintage storefront on Lock Road, has operated for more than a century. Its closure comes as several other major booksellers exit the Hong Kong market, including all 16 branches of Popular Bookstore, which traded for 40 years in the territory prior to closing in March. Chain stores Dymocks and Page One both departed Hong Kong during the past five years.
Reports have blamed high rentals and online competitors for the closures.
A Facebook message posted by the store on Tuesday announced a new chapter in the brand’s journey with a move online, while subsidiary stores Hong Kong Book Centre and Kelly & Walsh will remain open.
“We deeply appreciate all your support over the years and we are truly honored to have spent time with you at retail,” read the post.
Swindon Book Co, which distributes school textbooks in Hong Kong, partnered with e-book firm Kobo several years ago as an authorized seller of the device in order to keep up with the times.
Questions & Answers
Q.What reasons have been given for the closure of Swindon Book Co and other bookstores in Hong Kong?
What reasons have been given for the closure of Swindon Book Co and other bookstores in Hong Kong?
Reports have attributed the closures of Swindon Book Co and other major booksellers to high rental costs and increased competition from online retailers. This trend has affected several long-standing businesses in the territory.
Q.Will the entire Swindon Book Co business cease operations after the Tim Sha Tsui store closes?
Will the entire Swindon Book Co business cease operations after the Tim Sha Tsui store closes?
No, the Tim Sha Tsui store is closing, but the brand will move online, as announced on Facebook. Its subsidiary stores, Hong Kong Book Centre and Kelly & Walsh, are also set to remain open.
Q.Which other well-known bookstores have recently exited the Hong Kong market?
Which other well-known bookstores have recently exited the Hong Kong market?
Other significant booksellers that have recently left the Hong Kong market include Popular Bookstore, which closed all 16 branches, and chain stores Dymocks and Page One, which both departed in the last five years.
Q.Did Swindon Book Co attempt to adapt to changing market conditions before its closure?
Did Swindon Book Co attempt to adapt to changing market conditions before its closure?
Yes, Swindon Book Co partnered with the e-book firm Kobo several years ago to become an authorised seller of its devices. This was an effort to modernise and keep pace with contemporary market trends.