Is National Book Store Closing? Here Is Their Statement
As we all know, the economy is taking a huge hit as restaurants, bars, and shops close down permanently amid prolonged quarantine. A now-deleted Facebook post by Bicolano writer Abdon Balde Jr. has been going around since August 23, saying that "[National Book Store is] closing branches in expensive malls. Only stand-alone shall stay. Going online." The bookstore and office-supplies store chain, however, has released a statement denying Balde's claim.
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"National Book Store would like to assure all our partners and customers that this story is not true. Despite the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, National Book Store is working tirelessly to adapt to the difficulties posed by the current situation and continue providing every Laking National with books and supplies," they said in a statement released on August 24.
The statement was shared by the bookstore's official social media accounts as well as on Xandra Ramos-Padilla's personal Facebook page. Ramos-Padilla is National Book Store's managing director. Prior to the statement being released, SPOT.ph had gotten in touch with the chain's senior marketing manager, Chad Dee, who said, "I can categorically deny that."
National Book Store, which was founded in 1942, is headquartered in Mandaluyong City. After 78 years, the institution now has over 200 branches nationwide including a chain of specialty stores dedicated to art supplies called Art Bar. They're strengthening their online channels, including www.nationalbookstore.com and official stores on Shopee and Lazada; and working on enabling online shopping through SMS, Viber, and Facebook Messenger.
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.
