Waterstones closes Reading Oracle store

Waterstones Reading in The Oracle Shopping Centre has closed down.

The store ceased trading on Sunday (10th January), with customers made aware on Friday (8th January) when a notice appeared on the door reading: "To all our valued customers, it is with sadness that we announce the closure of our Waterstones Reading Oracle store.

"We would like to thank you all for your custom and assure you that our wonderful booksellers will now be working just a minute away in our Broad Street store."

A spokesperson for the shopping centre told getreading.co.uk that the decision had been made in order to "consolidate into one unit" on Broad Street. The Broad Street store is a few minutes away, where "all booksellers" will be transfered according to Waterstones.

A Waterstones spokesperson said: "We would like to thank all our customers at our bookshop in The Oracle for their loyal support over the years. 

"All our booksellers are now working at our Broad Street shop a few minutes away in the city centre, where we look forward to welcoming everyone and sharing our love of books."

Customers voiced their disappointment on social media.

Edible Reading ‏tweeted: "I know Reading had two branches, but genuinely shocked that Waterstones in the Oracle closes tomorrow. Very sad news."

A former employee, Jonathan Stephen, added: "Sad to hear that @Waterstones @Oracle_Books in Reading has closed down... worked there 2000 to 2002 & it was great fun #holyend #minsterend."