KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — Independent bookshop Lit Books is leaving its original Tropicana Avenue home in Petaling Jaya after nine years, relocating to downtown Kuala Lumpur early next year amid declining foot traffic.

In a statement shared on The Lit Books Blog, co-founder Fong Min Hun said the commercial landscape around the Petaling Jaya premises had changed considerably since the bookshop opened in December 2017.

“While we could probably chug along for a while longer, we have seen a steady decline in footfall over the past few years — a trend that is unlikely to reverse course anytime soon,” he said.

Fong said leaving the original premises was an emotional decision for him and his wife, Elaine Lau, with whom he founded the independent bookshop.

“Closing a chapter on the space that made us who we are is not easy, and no one feels the weight of that decision more than Elaine and myself.”

The move will take Lit Books into central Kuala Lumpur, drawn by the area’s foot traffic, energy and history.

Beyond the commercial considerations, however, Fong said the relocation also held personal significance.

Recalling his childhood, he described exploring Chinatown and Bukit Bintang with his best friend during an era of minibuses, arcade parlours and cinemas such as the Odeon and Rex.

Those experiences left a lasting impression, making the prospect of opening a bookshop in one of the spaces he once frequented particularly appealing.

“And so when the opportunity arose for us to actually set up shop in one of those very spaces, well, it was a no-brainer,” he wrote.

Fong did not disclose the exact location of the new premises, saying details of its final trading days at Tropicana Avenue and the downtown opening would be announced soon.

Founded by the husband-and-wife team of former journalists in 2017, Lit Books has built a following for its carefully selected range of English-language fiction and nonfiction.

The bookshop has also established itself as a gathering place for the local literary community, hosting author appearances, book discussions and other events.

Its second branch, located within stationery retailer CzipLee at Bangsar Village 2 in Kuala Lumpur, will continue operating.

For Fong and Lau, the move marks the end of a formative chapter for the business and an opportunity to establish itself in a different part of the Klang Valley.

Thanking customers for their support over the years, Fong expressed optimism about what lay ahead.

“It’s been a brilliant ride thus far. I’m looking forward to the next leg.”