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Bookseller will shut down shop
An independent bookshop in Eastbourne town centre is being forced to close after three years in business.
Mellon's Books, in the Enterprise Centre, will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, March 22.
Owner Helen Westwood is sad to announce the closure of the store.
She said the problems started during the postal strikes last year when customers, who had bought books through Amazon, were receiving refunds due to late deliveries.
Helen said, "We had a number of problems when selling through Amazon and in the end I think people saw we were weak to it.
"I will miss the regular customers and I feel sad for them, but I will not miss the abuse we have received — the problem is people expect things to be done yesterday."
Helen also blamed a slowing retail market and pressures from the big chain retailers.
"It is sad that we have had to take this decision because we started up with a passion for books and good service," said Helen.
"We have had many wonderful customers over the years, many of whom have become friends.
"We were able to get any book for anybody, but unfortunately people forget that we were often cheaper than Waterstones or Amazon and so the added service we offered will be lost.
"As with all independent retailers, our customers will miss us when we are gone because big chains just do not give the same service."
Bookstack in the Arndale Centre was set to close in July. At the time, owner Derrick Trubshaw said he was being forced out of the market by competition and rising overheads. But, only a few months later, the shop was saved by a 'business angel'.
This seems an unlikely option for Mellon's Books.
Helen said, "If someone were to come in here and want to take over the business I think I would be wary.
"There is not much money to be made unless you are trading on the internet without the overheads of a shop."
Mellon's Books stocks around 10,000 publications and is having a clearance sale. Helen says she hopes to see customers new and old next week.
"Bargains galore are to be had, so hurry before the shop is empty," she said.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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