One of Dublin's best-known bookstores Chapters has announced it is to close its doors after nearly 40 years of trading.
The store's owner William Kinsella says the growth of online and difficulties with city centre trading have made the business increasingly unsustainable.
Incredible to see such support already. A sincere thank you to you all for your custom over 40 years in business. We are truly grateful, William Kinsella, owner, and all the staff at Chapters. 😀 #sale #dublin #booktok #chapters #shoplocal #irishbooks #gifts #irishbusiness #rte
— Chapters Bookstore Dublin (@chaptersbooks) October 29, 2021
Mr Kinsella says he has been overwhelmed with the response to the announcement of Chapters closure and will consider continuing online.
But he says the store will have to close in the New Year as "the numbers don't stack up".
Mr Kinsella said that trading in the city centre is difficult with the loss of tourists and commuters but that trends were already there.
Chapters specialised in second-hand books and first opened Wicklow Street in 1983 and moved to a number of different locations before opening in Parnell Street.
There was a lot of disappointment among customers at the news of its closure. One man pointed out that with digital book stores old books get "erased" and can be difficult to find.
A woman said she was sad to hear the store is closing as it is somewhere she comes every time she is in Dublin.
However, book trade representatives say there are new books stores opening as older ones close.
Aoife Roantree, chair of Bookselling Ireland, said that a bookseller offers a special service in being able to recommend a book that would take hours of research online.
She says it has been difficult for booksellers in cities but those in smaller towns and suburbs are doing well.
The news of Chapters closure comes as the book trade enters its busy Christmas season.
