A BOOKSHOP in Romsey has confirmed it will be closing next month due to the cost-of-living crisis and decline in high street footfall.
Hundreds of customers of Superbook in The Hundred, have expressed their sadness following the news that the shop will close on Sunday, June 18 after 14 years in the town.
Peter Bell, of Bell’s Bookshops Ltd, posted on the Facebook page Romsey News and Information that the store would be closing in March but the final date remained unknown until recent days.
READ MORE: Romsey bookshop announces closure due to cost of living crisis
Mr Bell posted on Saturday, May 20: “From Superbook, thank you to everyone for your support since we announced our forthcoming closure. Our last trading day will be Sunday, June 18. We are now giving customers 20 per cent off all stock. And although we do have plenty of stock left, the most popular titles are selling out fast.”
The bookshop owner previously shared that the business is closing due to the cost-of-living crisis. In response, customers asked if there was anything they could do to keep the shop open.
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Mr Bell said: "Thank you so much for the kind messages regarding the closure of Superbook. I would love for us to remain but, as discount booksellers, we need to buy in bulk.
“And having closed four other Superbooks in recent years, due to the decline in High Street footfall, it was always going to be a challenge trading from just the two remaining bookshops - Romsey and Blandford in Dorset.
“With the cost-of-living crisis, I'm afraid our costs can no longer support the last two bookshops. It will be incredibly sad when we do close in June, but I can assure you the decision has not been taken lightly."
The store was last at risk of closure in 2019 amid the rise of online shopping but managed to survive. The Blandford shop is also closing.
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