A metropolis division retailer has introduced a significant change to its structure.
Jarrolds has determined to shut the e-book division on the third flooring of its long-established London Road retailer in Norwich.
An inner electronic mail despatched to employees on Monday, seen by the BBC, defined the choice was made “with quite a lot of disappointment”.
The corporate, which has operated in Norfolk for greater than 200 years, stated it was not viable to compete with nationwide and on-line booksellers.
Jarrolds has not but confirmed if any employees could be made redundant due to the choice however stated its e-book division would probably shut on the finish of August following a sale of present inventory.
Tim Shattock, the agency’s managing director for buying and selling, stated: “Jarrolds is happy with its heritage as a printer and bookseller, and we’re happy to have performed a big position in supporting and selling many native authors and publishers throughout our lengthy historical past.
“Nonetheless, as with each class of retail, the world of e-book promoting has modified dramatically over current years.
“With massive supermarkets and on-line retailers taking a big proportion of the e-book market, the sector has grown more and more difficult, with very tight margins.
“Sadly, Jarrolds merely can not compete with nationwide chains and on-line shops.”
The choice follows the Norfolk firm’s transfer to cut the hours of about 70 staff to fight rising prices and the closure of its Wymondham store final September.
Mr Shattock defined that the toy division on the third flooring could be prolonged, alongside the present journey company and restaurant remaining. Some house shall be “repurposed” for storage although.
He added: “This has not been a straightforward step to take, however it’s the proper business determination for the enterprise.”
The enterprise additionally gives a meals corridor, wine bars, eating places, espresso retailers, private procuring companies and its Retreat day spa.
