Amazon has planned to shut down its global online book store Book Depository by the end of April. The decision came as the bookseller’s parent company announced cutting multiple positions from its Devices and Books businesses. “Over the coming weeks we will complete a winding down of the business, including discontinuing our listings as a marketplace seller and closing our website,” Andy Chart, head of vendor management, wrote.
Book Depository to Provide Customer Support Till 23rd June
The Book Depository said that the company will continue to provide support to customers with their orders until 23rd June. “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,” reads the official statement.
Founded in the United Kingdom in 2004, the Book Depository has sold over 20 million books to 120 countries but due to uncertain economic conditions and its rapid hiring over the past few years, the company has decided to slash more than 18,000 roles globally. “We are working to support those who are affected and are providing packages that include a separation payment, transitional health insurance benefits, and external job placement support,” wrote Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.
A Token of Thanks
Andy Chart thanked everyone for their support over the past few decades, “I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you, from everyone at Book Depository and our book-loving customers, for your supportive partnership over the years in helping us to make printed books more accessible to readers around the world,” he said in his concluding remarks.
Also read: Amazon to Lay off 9,000 More Employees
