Book Depository announces it is closing after nearly 20 years

A popular online book retailer has announced it is shutting up shop in a matter of weeks after almost 20 years in business.

Online book retailer Book Depository has announced its imminent closure by the end of the month.

The UK-based online store, owned by Amazon, has been selling books for nearly 20 years, providing free delivery worldwide and a vast range of more than 20 million books to more than 120 countries.

However, its mission of “providing all books to all by improving range, access and affordability of books” is coming to an end, with its last day of taking orders being on April 26.

Book Depository’s announcement said it would ensure customers’ purchases would be delivered, and support would be provided until June 23, 2023.

The reason behind the closure is unclear.

We are sorry to let you know that Book Depository will be closing on 26 April 2023. You can still place orders until midday (12pm BST) on 26 April and we will continue to deliver your purchases and provide support for any order issues until 23 June 2023. pic.twitter.com/zMSdn59KbY

— Book Depository (@bookdepository) April 4, 2023

It comes amid Amazon‘s announcement of “role eliminations,” leading to 27,000 jobs being cut from the company.

“For several years leading up to this one, most of our businesses added a significant amount of headcount,” Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy said.

“This made sense given what was happening in our businesses and the economy as a whole.

“However, given the uncertain economy in which we reside, and the uncertainty that exists in the near future, we have chosen to be more streamlined in our costs and headcount.

“The overriding tenet of our annual planning this year was to be leaner while doing so in a way that enables us to still invest robustly in the key long-term customer experiences that we believe can meaningfully improve customers‘ lives and Amazon as a whole.”

Originally published as Book Depository announces it is closing after nearly 20 years