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UK-based online book seller (founded in 2004) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Book Depository (previously The Book Depository) was a Gloucester, United Kingdom based online book seller. Founded by a former Amazon employee, it operated from 2004 to 2023.
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Type of business | Subsidiary |
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Type of site | E-commerce |
Available in | English |
Founded | 2004 |
Dissolved | 26 April 2023 |
Headquarters | London, UK |
Area served | Worldwide |
Industry | Bookselling, Online shopping |
Products | Books |
Revenue | £69 million (2010)[1] |
Employees | 150[citation needed] |
Parent | Amazon (2011–2023) |
URL | bookdepository |
Launched | 2004 |
The company was founded in 2004 by Andrew Crawford (former Amazon employee) and Stuart Felton. Its motto was to make "All Books Available to All"[2] by improving selection, access and affordability.[2]
It was acquired by Amazon on 4 July 2011.[3][1] The move led commentators to worry about the 'strangle hold' of Amazon on the UK book market.[4]
On 5 April 2023, Amazon announced that it would be closing down Book Depository on 26 April 2023.[5]
The company had a large catalogue with a 'less of more' philosophy.[4] It offered free shipping to over 160 countries.[6]
In 2009 and 2010, it won Direct Bookselling Company of the Year at the Bookseller Industry Awards,[7] and the Queen's Award For Enterprise.[citation needed]
In 2012, Book Depository was a finalist for the Fast Growth Business Awards' Retail/Leisure Business of the Year award, and won two UK Startup Awards, Online Business of the Year and Retailer of the Year.[8]
In 2013, it was ranked 5th in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100.[9]
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