Bestseller bookstore in Srinagar closes after 45 years, cites e-commerce competition

Independent bookstores are facing closure in various regions due to mounting economic pressures and competition from online retailers. Downtown Book & Toy, a cherished fixture in Jefferson City, is selling its location because of rising costs and increased import tariffs, with owners hopeful the new buyer will maintain operations, though the store is ending its newspaper and magazine offerings. Similarly, Srinagar’s iconic Bestseller bookstore is shutting down after 45 years, with the owner citing the inability to compete with the deep discounts offered by online giants like Amazon as a major factor. Both closures have left local communities heartbroken, underscoring the challenges small, independent retailers face in today’s market. These developments reflect a broader trend of beloved local businesses struggling to survive amid economic shifts and changing consumer habits.