Amazon shuts down Book Depository, “an online book store” established in the UK
Amazon, the US technology behemoth that owns the UK-based online retailer “Book Depository,” is shutting it down. Customers have been informed by “Book Depository” that, after nearly two decades in business, it will close its doors later this month.
It follows Amazon’s announcement that it will be restructuring its companies globally and laying off thousands of employees. Many of Book Depository’s customers from around the world were shocked by the news. “We regret to inform you that Book Depository will close on April 26, 2023,” the business said.
According to the website, customers can still order books on the company’s final day of business until noon UK time.
Former Amazon employees Andrew Crawford and Stuart Felton went on to create “Book Depository” in 2004.
The decision caused anguish among hundreds of thousands of Book Depository customers, including best-selling writers. “I am saddened by the news. “A significant loss for all of us,” tweeted poet and author Lang Leav of New Zealand.
In an effort to significantly reduce costs, Amazon has started eliminating thousands of employees this year. In the reorganisation, the corporation disclosed changes to its book division, including the decision to stop offering magazine and newspaper subscriptions on its Kindle e-reader.
Little over 18,000 positions would be eliminated overall at the company, including those in its bestselling division, according to chief executive Andy Jassy in a blog post from January.
“Several positions across our Gadgets and Books divisions will be eliminated,” Mr. Jassy said.
When customers were stranded at home due to the epidemic, Amazon experienced a sales boom similar to that of many in the global technology sector.
But more recently, as a result of consumers’ reduced spending due to the crisis in the cost of living, its sales have dropped.
Other businesses, like Google and Facebook-owner Meta, have struggled with how to strike a balance between cost-cutting tactics and the necessity to remain competitive.
