Bas Books & Home in Kennet Shopping centre in Newbury to close on March 14

A town centre charity shop is closing down due to “ongoing financial challenges” with customers stating the closure “will be a loss to Newbury”.

Bas Books & Home, located in the Kennet Shopping centre next to Boswells Café, has announced that it will be shutting up shop in March.

The charity shop sells second-hand books, furniture and household items and is an arm of the Sebastian’s Action Trust, a charity that provides support for families with children facing life-limiting conditions.

A statement outside the shop reads in part: “We have made the difficult decision to close our shop due to ongoing financial challenges.

“Despite efforts to reduce expenditure, the shop has been operating at a loss, and with declining footfall at the shopping centre – down 21 per cent as of September 2024 – the situation is unlikely to improve.

“The closure of the Kennet Centre itself, alongside high service costs and operational complexities, further supports this decision.

“By closing the shop, we can focus our resources more effectively on delivering our core services.

“We are deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, and supporters for their commitment and hard work.”

The shop has already stopped accepting donations and it will close to the public on March 14.

Newbury residents have been reacting to the news of the Bas Books & Home closure online.

Commenting on Facebook, Rhodri Thomas said: “This was the best place for second-hand books in Newbury. Such a shame.”

JJ Fry suggested that Bas gets rid of its furniture offering, moves to a smaller premises and continues to operate by selling books and smaller household items.

They commented: “It will be a shame to lose you as your shop is always a great place to find unusual books and smaller items.

“The staff are always polite and friendly too. It will be a loss to Newbury.”