Portsmouth’s Beloved Blackwells Bookshop Set to Close Despite Fierce Campaign
One of Portsmouth’s last surviving bookshops has lost its fight. The Blackwells store, attached to the University of Portsmouth, announced it will shut its doors for good. Fans had rallied hard to save the shop known for price-matching any book and hosting popular public readings and “Meet The Author” events.
But the indie book haven couldn’t withstand the pressure from giant tax-avoiding rivals squeezing independent retailers out of town.
End of an Era for Blackwells Portsmouth
In a heartfelt message posted late last night on Facebook, the store’s team—Ness, Brian, and Jo—expressed their gratitude:
“Thank you all for the incredible support over the years and especially in recent months. Blackwell’s and the University of Portsmouth have announced the closure of the shop in Portsmouth.
The last day of trading will be Friday 2nd March 2018. It has been our pleasure to be among shelves full of friends—academic, comforting, challenging, and frivolous—and to share them with customers who have become great friends themselves.
We’ve been privileged to encourage reading ‘For Learning, For Life’ and to nurture writers, from fledgling talents to famous names, witnessing the magic their words conjure.
Keep reading; keep learning; keep supporting local businesses! We wish you well and will be seeing you around.”
The Fight to Save Local Bookshops
Blackwells Portsmouth was more than just a shop. It was a cultural hub, fostering community and celebrating literature. Now, as it closes, locals are reminded of the harsh reality facing small businesses battling big corporate giants.
If you love books and want to protect your local independent stores, now’s the time to support them before they vanish too.
