News

Book chains in talks with police to protect stores

09.08.11 | Graeme Neill

Waterstone's and WH Smith closed stores across riot-stricken areas in London as the violence appears set to continue into a fourth night.

A Waterstone's spokesperson said it was closing stores early depending on police advice but only the shop on Clapham High Street had closed. She said: "We were fortunate as none of our stores appears to have received any damage."

A WH Smith spokesperson said it had closed at most six stores across the stricken areas in Brixton, Wood Green and Enfield. A spokesperson said: "The shops have closed temporarily on police advice. Our priority is the safety of our staff. Like all other retailers we are in close contact with police and will reopen the affected shops when we can do so."

Despite being located in one of the most volatile areas in east London, independent Pages of Hackney opened for trading earlier today. It said in a tweet: "Shop is open and all members of staff are undamaged and fit for bookselling..... just about."

Trackback URL for this post:

http://www.thebookseller.com/trackback/50341

Comments: Scroll down for the latest comments and to have your say

By posting on this website you agree to the Bookseller comments policy. Comments go direct to live please be relevant, brief and definitely not abusive. Report any "unsuitable comments by clicking the links"

Sort: Oldest first | Newest first | Readers' most recommended

By London Resident

Must be a slow news day at the Bookseller today. A bit of a nothing news story this.

Its not surprising that Waterstones stores haven't been hit, these idiots are hardly going to steal books when they can walk away with tv's, dvd players, white trainers and more hoodies!

Tue, 09/08/2011 - 17:33
By David R N Livelsey

However the wee children did 'do over' a Macdonalds I hear and I assume they wished to 'supersize' the riot...and nick the free toy! Sums up the little tykes doesn't it. However a bookshop would combust rather well, but intelligence and these great unwashed scum, who seem to be able to hold a country to ransom...thank god they don't go together!

Wed, 10/08/2011 - 03:16
By Sunset Sasarparilla

Agreed - WH Smith would have toys etc. that would be worth stealing, but with Waterstones, the rioters would only see a huge tinderbox full of paper. Arson would be their aim, rather than theft.

Thu, 11/08/2011 - 11:27

Post new comment

Due to persistent spam problems we are now asking users to register before submitting comments. If you have already registered or are a subscriber then please log in now. Otherwise you can use the simple form below to register when you submit your comment. Your comment will go live once you click the validation link in the email. Comments still go live without moderation.
You should use this name when logging into your account.
This name will be displayed when you comment on the site.
The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <br> <p> <img>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

More information about formatting options

Type the characters you see in this picture. (verify using audio)
Type the characters you see in the picture above; if you can't read them, submit the form and a new image will be generated. Not case sensitive.

Latest Jobs

Editor
Quid Publishing, part of the Quarto...
Competitive
Assistant Editor
The Royal Academy of Arts is one of...
£23,950 plus attractive benefits
Head of Production Operations (Maternity cover)
Location : Cambridge Salary :...
Excellent - On Application
 

TheBookseller