Regrettable demise of bookshops opens way for new retail opportunities.
Not so long ago, Aucklanders had three large bookshops in the city centre. Whitcoulls, as had been the case for more than four decades, occupied its landmark Queen St location, while Borders and Dymocks were prominent. From mid-year, they will all be gone. It was announced yesterday that Whitcoulls, Auckland's foremost bookseller, would vacate its flagship store, making way for the return of Farmers after a short absence from Queen St.
The decision, which leaves Auckland's main retail strip without a bookshop, had an air of inevitability about it. Online suppliers and the ebook have bit into bookshop profitability, and the demise of Borders and Dymocks suggested the days of large outlets were over. When Anne and David Norman bought Whitcoulls four years ago, they sought to boost book sales. That strategy foundered, and gifts, games and stationery are again Whitcoulls' staples. Until the Downtown Shopping Centre is demolished, it will continue to operate a smaller outlet there.
Not all is gloom. Farmers, another part of the Normans' James Pascoe Group, says it is returning because of Queen St's improved fashion and retailing offering. This includes arrivals such as Topshop and luxury brands Prada and Dior. Other global retailers are believed to be eyeing the street. Clearly, Farmers believes it cannot confine itself to suburban malls.
That is a major vote of confidence in Queen St. After years of decline, it is finally graced by retailing outlets that are attractive to Aucklanders and tourists alike. But as it changes, so there will be regrettable departures.
