Singing Tree loses voice

After nearly two decades of operation, the Singing Tree will be closing its doors on Saturday, January 21.

Picture by Laurie Benson: The Singing Tree’s Andreas Roilo is shutting his doors

The store has operated in the heart of Albany for 19 years as the source of all things ABC as well as books, toys, DVDs and CDs.

Owner Andreas Roilo said the closure came during a period of slow activity in the local economy as well as bookstores nationwide feeling the pressure of online competition.

“The last couple of winters in particular were really difficult for us,” he said.

“In the summer season it’s all right because there are lots of people in town. Starting late November onwards, things go all right.

“But basically, those three months over the summer carry the rest of the year, which is very quiet.”

Mr Roilo, who has had the business for about three-and-ahalf years, believes the first couple of years were good, before a marked dropoff in May 2010.

“It was the same in winter 2011, which was very slow,” he said.

“In terms of other bookstores and hearing from the Australian Booksellers Association, it is right across the board. Everybody is feeling it in the industry.”

He said buyers were a lot more conscious of how competitive the book market place was, given the prices of books available online.

“I think people are just spending less money. They really take note of price when they make a purchasing decision and if we just compete on price, we find it difficult with what’s happening on the internet,” he said.

Despite the difficulty, Mr Roilo believes the loyalty programs retailers offer, supporting community organisations, offering expert advice and person-to-person purchasing make small and locally owned businesses a valuable part of Albany.