For many of us who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, MPH Bookstores, or the Malaysian Publishing House, is probably a familiar sight in many malls. Bookworms young and old can be found in most of their large, cavernous retail spaces devouring chapters of new books like a community library while your family did the shopping.
I myself fondly remember spending most of my time at the then largest MPH Bookstore in MidValley Megamall, before it shrunk down.
Well, as you may have noticed, MPH Bookstores appears to have been winding down their business scale considerably in recent years as less and less people are drawn to the appeal of reading physical books, what with the rise of digital e-books and smart devices. But what most of us didn’t anticipate for, is the closing of some major MPH Bookstore outlets.
In social media posts shared online recently, it has been revealed that a large number of the popular Malaysian bookstore chain’s outlets have already announced clearance sales and store closures.
According to netizen Sri Diah Shaharuddin, at least nine MPH Bookstores will be closed down, of which include:
- MPH Amanjaya
- MPH Sunway GEO
- MPH SACC Mall
- MPH MYTOWN
- MPH JB City Square
- MPH Kinta City
- MPH MYDIN MITC
- MPH Taman Universiti
- MPH Subang Parade
Photos taken at the MyTown outlet show many books being heavily discounted, with sales of up to 70% to clear off inventory. Interior shots of the bookstore also show empty racks and taped up boxes as staff begin to pack away the books for storage.
At this point in time, there has still not been any mention from MPH Bookstores on any change in operations. But it cannot be denied that in times like these, changes like these while painful, will not be uncommon in the retail landscape.
What do you guys think of this situation? Do you have any fond memories of shopping at MPH?
Also read: After 25 Years, ESPRIT Will Be Closing Down ALL Malaysian Stores By End Of June
