“This is not sponsored. I just feel sad that he looked so sad,” wrote a concerned netizen in a video of yet another second-hand bookstore pulling its shutters down permanently.
Knowledge Book Centre located in Bras Basah Complex is throwing in the towel, the owner citing his old age and the high rental cost as the primary reasons for the decision.
@studywithbritney this is not sponsored. I just feel sad that he looked so sad. #studytok #study #books #bookworm #bookrecs #tiktoksg #books #school #studywithme #studygram
The 69-year-old owner told Must Share News that when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, business became stagnant.
He noted that the bookstore’s sales couldn’t meet rental costs and staff salaries. He also does not plan to move the store elsewhere, as he was retiring without anyone willing to take over the reins.
The TikTok video uploaded by Study Hustle noted that students could buy university textbooks as well as A level and O level books at the store at a cheap price.
Some of the books were tagged as 50 per cent off.
A TikTok user commented on the video, noting the bookstore was his grandfather’s. “It’s closing because the rent is so crazy expensive, and they can’t afford to pay the lease anymore. Please go buy everything you want,” the grandchild added.
The owner revealed he was open to handing over the store to someone passionate about continuing the legacy. Interested parties can contact him at 90234533; otherwise, he will be closing shop by next month.
In April this year, another second-hand bookstore with 55 years in the industry announced it was closing down for good.
The 73-year-old owner told Channel News Asia that the steadily increasing rent pushed him to make such a decision, despite having many supportive customers who had become like family and friends to him.
The bookstore at Beauty World Centre will be closing down in September this year, and the owner will be clearing his stock of 20,000 books by then. /TISG
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