Dear Customers,

It is with great sadness that I announce the closure of Savoy Bookshop & Café in Westerly, R.I., effective July 28, 2023. 

Savoy Bookshop & Café has been an important part of downtown Westerly for the past seven years. I have watched this town grow and change in ways I could never have anticipated when we first opened. Together with the store’s staff, I have had the privilege of getting to know and serve thousands of customers, many of whom are considered regulars and friends. I am incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for your support through the years, and especially during the pandemic. Your loyalty kept us going. 

As many of you will understand, running a small business comes with many challenges. While the managers and staff have met many of those challenges head on, we’ve come to realize that determination does not always guarantee success, no matter how great the effort. After a lengthy review of the business’s finances, I have reached the conclusion that the store is no longer viable. Savoy continues to run a deficit year after year due to thin margins, fierce online competition, and increasing costs on nearly all fronts. These factors have become insurmountable hurdles for this business. It’s a frustrating and unfortunate reality that many independent bookstores face. 

Savoy will remain open from July 22nd through July 28th. Hours will be posted on our website and on Savoy’s social media accounts. All store merchandise will be discounted by 20%. Any outstanding customer orders will need to be picked up by July 28th. For the sake of transparency, employees have been given advance notice of the closure and will be given severance pay. 

Though it breaks my heart to share this news, the time has come to move on to the next chapter. We understand this news stirs up many emotions and we ask that you please be respectful of staff in the coming days. 

Thank you, again, for your support and understanding. 

Sincerely, 

Annie Philbrick

Owner, Savoy Bookshop & Café