Bookstore closure in Montmorillon
One of the last book dealers in the village of Montmorillon, "Livres à vous!", is closing permanently on November 1st after more than twenty years in business. The shop, which opened in 2003, was located in the medieval quarter of Montmorillon and was part of the Cité de l'écrit, a complex known as the "book trades" that once housed about twenty bookshops.Cité de l'écrit's decline
The Cité de l'écrit, once a hub for book lovers, has seen a significant decline in the number of active bookstores. After the closure of "Livres à vous!", only two bookstores will remain in operation, compared to about twenty in the early 2000s. This marks a dramatic reduction in the area's literary presence.Reasons for the closure
The manager, Catherine Witzmann, explained that while the business initially thrived, financial returns have become increasingly difficult to maintain. She attributed this to a decline in customer numbers, particularly among book collectors and buyers from other book towns, who have aged and not been replaced by a new generation of readers.Discounts and final sales
In an effort to clear inventory, Witzmann decided to offer all books at heavily discounted prices—between 1 and 2 euros per book and 5 euros for large volumes. These discounts are available during the afternoons of the All Saints' Day holiday and during the book fair, which runs from October 31st to November 1st.Financial challenges
Witzmann acknowledged that the financial situation had become unsustainable, citing the need to cover a monthly rent of 470 euros and other expenses. After the closure, the remaining books will be donated to charitable associations, marking the end of an era for the shop and its community.
