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.