It’s the end of an era for the once-beloved MPH Bookstores, where many a bookworm spent lazy afternoons browsing through the shelves. Sadly, the Malaysian chain’s last two outlets in Raffles City and Parkway Parade will bring down their shutters for one last time on July 28 and Sept 1 respectively.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, the hefty rent and stiff competition from online book retailers were two main reasons behind the shutdown.
However, there’s a possible silver lining for anyone mourning the loss of the brand. MPH is said to be in the process of consolidating its resources and it’s exploring the option of re-opening its store in Singapore — but in a different location, AsiaOne reported.
The company is hopeful to get back in the game, citing examples of overseas bookstores that managed to turn the tide in their favor.
Unfortunately, for now, MPH follows a flurry of bookstore closures on our shores in recent times. Japanese bookshop Kinokuniya closed its doors at Liang Court after 36 years on April 21 this year, and was followed soon after by bookstore chain Popular, which shuttered its 31-year-old Thomson Plaza outlet on June 23.
Ahead of the closure, the Raffles City outlet has emptied most of its shelves, while the Parkway Parade one will soon follow suit, The New Paper said.
But hey, closures mean moving out sales, and you can stop by the Raffles City store for 30 to 50 percent discounts until its final day. Meanwhile, the Parkway Parade outlet will organize a similar sale next month.
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