Readers across Perth have been left devastated after a beloved bookstore announced it will close its doors after almost four decades.

Boffins Books, located on William St in Perth’s CBD, has been a go-to location for fresh reads since it first opened in 1989.

The two-storey bookseller has earned a reputation for its extensive range of specialised technical manuals, local history books, and hard-to-find novels.

Patrons of the store were left shocked on Thursday after the veteran retailer announced it intended to close its doors within the next three weeks.

“After 37 wonderful years serving the Perth community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors,” Boffins Books announced in a social media post.

“From our niche beginnings in 1989 to our ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ at 88 William Street, it has been an absolute honour to be your independent bookstore.

“To our loyal customers, staff, and partners: thank you for being part of our story.”

Boffins Books owner and director Lou Pontarolo told PerthNow the decision to close the business was prompted by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and reduced pedestrian activity in the CBD.

“Like many independent retailers, Boffins has experienced rising operating costs across wages, freight, insurance, utilities and occupancy, while also navigating changing consumer spending patterns and significant shifts in CBD foot traffic following the rise of flexible work arrangements,” he said.

“This was not a decision made lightly, but ultimately one made with careful consideration for the long-term sustainability of the business and the wellbeing of those involved.”

Mr Pontarolo said while the current retail environment may have been unsustainable for Boffins, he wants Perth readers to continue supporting local independent book sellers.

“There is no doubt the retail environment has changed dramatically in recent years, particularly for specialist independent businesses operating in CBD environments,” he told PerthNow.

“At the same time, every business has its own circumstances, and we would not want the closure of Boffins to overshadow the many wonderful independent booksellers and retailers who continue to contribute so much to their communities.”

The store recently made headlines over their participation in Perth’s Global Book Crawl in late April, which encouraged avid readers to visit Boffins to earn a special passport stamp.

Readers across Perth’s suburbs were quick to share their heartbreak over the sudden announcement.

“Boffins has always been a go-to place for books in Perth and has always supported local writers and illustrators — thanks for all you have done,” one person wrote to the retailer.

“This is sad news, what a loss to Perth’s book community,” another person lamented.

Fellow Perth book store Planet Books praised the CBD institute as “forever one of the best”.

Mr Pontarolo said the response the store has received from the community since sharing the news has been “overwhelming”.

“The response from customers, publishers, authors and friends of the bookshop has been incredibly moving,” he said.

“We are deeply touched by the many messages, memories and expressions of support we have received.”

Boffin Books’ last day of trading will be on Saturday June 6, with the owners encouraging customers and staff to visit “one last time” before doors close.