Angus & Robertson in the mall to close
05 Jul, 2011 04:00 AM
Wollongong book lovers will be without a dedicated bookstore in the city centre after it was revealed Angus & Robertson would close within weeks. The store is one of 42 across the country closing permanently this month after parent company REDgroup Retail went into administration on February 17.
A spokesman for administrator Ferrier Hodgson revealed the Crown St Mall store would shut up shop by the end of July. He said all employee entitlements would be paid in full to the store's five full-time and 14 part-time staff.
Reading fans will now have to travel to Dapto, Thirroul or Kiama for a dedicated bookstore.
The mass shutdown comes just three months after 36 stores, including Angus & Robertson Warrawong, were closed by the administrator. An independent book seller has since taken out a temporary lease on the Westfield Warrawong site.
Illawarra author Ann Whitehead said it was disappointing to lose yet another of the region's bookstores. "It is a shame," she said, "but I have to admit that I think it's inevitable."
With large discount retailers and online stores able to slash book prices, Ms Whitehead said it was nearly impossible for traditional bookstores to remain competitive.
Angus & Robertson Dapto franchisee Doug Newing will soon be the chain's only representative in the Illawarra.
However, he revealed the name of the store would soon be changing as administrators negotiate the sale of the franchise network and online store.
Mr Newing also owns the Shellharbour Angus & Robertson store, which is closed for renovation.
He said he was unable to comment on the future of the Shellharbour business at this stage.
In April, the former Angus & Robertson franchise at Kiama severed ties with the company and now operates independently.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/angus-robertson-in-the-mall-to-close/2215574.aspx
A spokesman for administrator Ferrier Hodgson revealed the Crown St Mall store would shut up shop by the end of July. He said all employee entitlements would be paid in full to the store's five full-time and 14 part-time staff.
Reading fans will now have to travel to Dapto, Thirroul or Kiama for a dedicated bookstore.
The mass shutdown comes just three months after 36 stores, including Angus & Robertson Warrawong, were closed by the administrator. An independent book seller has since taken out a temporary lease on the Westfield Warrawong site.
Illawarra author Ann Whitehead said it was disappointing to lose yet another of the region's bookstores. "It is a shame," she said, "but I have to admit that I think it's inevitable."
With large discount retailers and online stores able to slash book prices, Ms Whitehead said it was nearly impossible for traditional bookstores to remain competitive.
Angus & Robertson Dapto franchisee Doug Newing will soon be the chain's only representative in the Illawarra.
However, he revealed the name of the store would soon be changing as administrators negotiate the sale of the franchise network and online store.
Mr Newing also owns the Shellharbour Angus & Robertson store, which is closed for renovation.
He said he was unable to comment on the future of the Shellharbour business at this stage.
In April, the former Angus & Robertson franchise at Kiama severed ties with the company and now operates independently.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/angus-robertson-in-the-mall-to-close/2215574.aspx
This is one of many stories that are spreading doom and gloom regarding the fate of Angus and Robertson - the bookstore where I work. I am lucky to be working at a privately owned franchise, but a lot of people are not as fortunate and are now out of a job.
No comments:
Post a Comment