After almost two decades in business, Book Depository has informed consumers that it would close its doors later this month.

It follows Amazon's announcement that it will be restructuring its global operations and eliminating thousands of employees.

Several of Book Depository's international clients were saddened by the news.

"We are sorry to let you know that Book Depository will be closing on 26 April 2023," the company said.

Customers can continue to order books until midday UK time on its last day of trading, the company's website added.

"I can confirm that we've taken the difficult decision to close Book Depository," an Amazon spokesperson told the BBC.

Former Amazon employees Stuart Felton and Andrew Crawford established Book Depository in 2004.

The international online bookseller, which Amazon acquired in 2011, includes offices in London, Gloucester, Madrid, Cape Town, and Chennai. The UK and Australia serve as fulfillment centers.

Several consumers of Book Depository, including best-selling writers, expressed their disappointment at the news.

"Sad to hear the news. A huge loss for all of us," New Zealand-based author and poet Lang Leav tweeted.

"My heart breaks," another Twitter user said.

Amazon has been eliminating thousands of employees this year in an effort to significantly reduce costs.

The company announced adjustments to its book business as part of the reorganization, including the decision to stop offering magazine and newspaper subscriptions on its Kindle e-reader.

CEO Andy Jassy stated in a blog post in January that the company would eliminate roughly 18,000 positions overall, including positions in its book selling division.

Mr Jassy referred to "the hard decision to eliminate a number of positions across our Devices and Books businesses".

Amazon saw a sales spike during the epidemic when customers were confined to their homes, similar to much of the worldwide technology sector.

But more lately, as customers cut back on their spending as a result of the crisis in the cost of living, sales have decreased.

Other businesses, like as Google and Facebook owner Meta, have been debating how to strike a balance between cost-cutting initiatives and the need to maintain competitiveness.