Milan, March 25th – The countdown has begun for the historic Hoepli bookstore, a cultural landmark in Milan, which is officially set to close on April 30th. Laura Limido, the liquidator for Hoepli, confirmed the non-renewal of the lease, with the entire building expected to be cleared by the end of June. This development comes as negotiations are in advanced stages for the sale of the building, located on the street of the same name, to a US investment fund for tens of millions of euros.
A Historic Institution Faces Closure
The Hoepli building, which houses both the publishing house and the bookstore, is currently owned by a fiduciary linked to the siblings Barbara, Matteo, and Giovanni Hoepli. While a preliminary agreement for the sale has not yet been registered, the official stance from the liquidation is that while there are offers for the publishing house, “no proposals” have been received for the bookstore. However, financial sources suggest a different narrative, indicating that some interested parties have requested to review the accounts and balances, suggesting a last-minute effort to save the brand, the store, and the company as a whole.
Community Rallies, but Challenges Remain
The Legacoop has also stepped forward, proposing a possible workers’ buyout to save the bookstore and its jobs. This initiative would theoretically see employees taking over the ownership, potentially leveraging public funds and financial participation provided by the ‘Marcora law’ for such projects, as explained by president Attilio Dadda. However, this path is fraught with difficulties, and efforts to secure municipal or Curia spaces in the city center at a subsidized rent have not yielded concrete results.
Family Feud and Industrial Choices
The underlying issues are rooted in a long-standing rift within the Hoepli family. Giovanni Nava, a cousin who holds approximately 33 percent of the shares, opposes the liquidation and is awaiting a Cassation Court decision on a prolonged legal battle concerning shareholdings that could redefine corporate weights. Over the past year, this conflict has intertwined with industrial decisions, leading to a reduction in supplies, a decline in inventory, and tensions over management. Ultimately, the majority shareholders, linked to Ulrico Carlo and his three children, decided to proceed with voluntary liquidation.
Public Outcry and Employee Resilience
Despite the looming closure, the community has shown immense support. A flash mob held ten days ago, despite the rain, drew hundreds of people to celebrate the bookstore’s legacy and express hope for its future. Online petitions to save the bookstore have garnered over 60,000 signatures, and messages of support adorn the store’s windows. Inside, the 49 booksellers and other employees continue their work diligently, recommending books and organizing displays, embodying the 156-year history of the establishment.
The Future of Hoepli and Milan’s Cultural Landscape
The closure of Hoepli marks a significant moment for Milan’s cultural landscape. The bookstore, which has been a cornerstone of the city’s intellectual life for over a century and a half, leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. While the publishing house may find a new owner, the physical space that has fostered generations of readers is set to disappear. The ongoing negotiations and the community’s efforts highlight the deep attachment many feel to this iconic institution, even as the realities of real estate and corporate disputes dictate its fate.
As the deadline approaches, the future of the Hoepli name, both as a publishing house and a cultural symbol, remains uncertain. The coming months will determine whether any last-minute interventions can alter the course set by the liquidation, or if Milan will bid farewell to one of its most cherished literary havens.
