Changes in the surrounding area have resulted in a different crowd of customers that now come to Petaling Street, and the rise of large shopping centres in the capital had drawn the crowds away, according to an executive of the book retailer.

Siew Sheue Liang, business development manager, was quoted at Malay Mail Online as saying that the shop was significant in the history of the company. Popular opened its first shop in Damansara Jaya in 1983 but poor sales caused the company to move to Jalan Hang Lekir.

The shop was a success, which prompted Chou Cheng Ngok, chairman of the Singapore-based company, Popular Holdings Limited, to open more branches. There are now 89 Popular book shops in Malaysia, making Popular the largest book chain.

After 25 years, the four-storey Jalan Hang Lekir shop was closed in 2009 and operations consolidated at the Lee Rubber Building shop nearby.

Popular’s last day of operations on April 10 at Lee Rubber Building may be the harbinger of more changes at the art deco-style Category 2 heritage building. It is believed to have been put up for sale.

Another closure to take place in the area is that of Venus Art & Stationery in Petaling Street, which will close in June after 47 years of supplying artists and students.