Immediate release: 3 February 2011
Issued by Publishing Ireland
CLOSURE OF WATERSTONE’S BRANCHES
“A MAJOR BLOW TO BOOK INDUSTRY”
Dublin, 3 February - The closure of Waterstone’s branches in Jervis Street and Dawson Street is a major blow to Ireland’s book industry, Publishing Ireland, the association of Irish publishers said today.
The announcement that the Dawson Street branch and the store in the Jervis Street Centre are to close with the loss of 46 jobs, follows on the heels of the collapse last year of booksellers Hughes & Hughes, the closure of wholesalers CMD Booksource and the cessation of trading of publisher Merlin/Wolfhound.
“The closure of two of Dublin’s bookshops further compounds what are very difficult trading conditions for Irish book publishers,” said Jean Harrington, President of Publishing Ireland.
Newly released Central Statistics Office (CSO) data suggests that the value of book, stationery and magazine sales plummeted by 9.3% since December 2009, and that the volume of sales is down by 10.7%.
“Our capital has lost some of its best-loved bookshops in the past few years. The latest closures are very regrettable, particularly in light of Dublin’s recent designation as UNESCO City of Literature,” said Ms Harrington.
Note to Editors:
Jean Harrington, President of Publishing Ireland is available for interview. Contact Gert Ackermann on 086 176 9287, or email gert.ackermann@gmail.com
Publishing Ireland is the association for book publishers in Ireland. It provides information and representation in the areas of networking, marketing and lobbying as well as industry specific training and research. www.publishingireland.com
The 2011 Dublin Book Festival, which is Publishing Ireland’s flagship event, takes place between 2 and 6 March 2011.
//ends
