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Sunday July 22, 2007

Potter fans upset with bookshops’ decision

KUALA LUMPUR: Shocked, angry and dismayed. These were some of the reactions to the decision by three major bookstores to not sell the final Harry Potter novel.

MPH, Popular Bookstore and Times on Friday decided not to sell Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows after Carrefour and Tesco hypermarkets advertised that they were selling the books at RM69.90.

The bookstores have priced theirs at RM109.90.

Norli Bakri, 29, said she had no idea that MPH was not selling the book to walk-in customers.

“I did not read the newspapers since it was still early, otherwise I would have gone to another bookstore.

“Since I am in MidValley Megamall, I will go to Carrefour to grab a copy,” she said.

Long queue: A huge crowd waiting outside the MidValley Megamall MPH bookstore for their pre-ordered Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows novel.
Another frustrated customer, who only wanted to be known as Tang, said MPH was his first-choice to shop for books but felt sad that the bookstore was not selling the novel to walk-in customers.

“I am not sure of the problems, but I feel customers should not be dragged into the controversy,” he said.

Dr Siva Ananthan, who called The Star, complained that the four bookstore chains should sell the book at a cheaper price, instead of not selling it at all.

Another irate caller said he was going to report the actions of the three bookstores to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

Meanwhile, in its website, Britain's Daily Express reported that ASDA supermarket would charge £5 (RM35) for a copy of the novel compared with the initial retail price of £8.87 (RM62.22).

It also said Tesco was offering the book for £5 if customers spent £50 in the store, and Morrisons announced it would be selling it for £5.99 (RM42).

Related Stories:
Potter mania: Thousands line up to get a copy
Malaysians show ugly side during rush for Book 7

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