SAVOY – Customers expressed sadness – and some concern over unused gift cards – now that Pages for All Ages is formally closed.

A new sign on the front of Pages for All Ages bookstore in Savoy says the store is closed for good, a casualty of the recession.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of Pages for All Ages Bookstore Inc. after serving the Champaign-Urbana-Savoy area for over 20 years," the notice posted out front says.

Followers of The News-Gazette's Twitter feed said they would miss the staff's recommendations and customer service, and wondered whether gift cards would be any good.

Todd Sweet of Savoy called the news sad.

"Pages served as an unofficial community center for Savoy residents, as well," Sweet said.

Tim Borbely, who follows The News-Gazette on Twitter, was one of several worried about gift cards.

"I've got $125 in unused gift cards that I'll make somebody a great deal on," Borbely said. "First Periscope Records, now this?" He referred to a record shop that operated at Champaign's Old Farm Shops and then in downtown Champaign. Pages for All Ages was formerly located there before it moved to Savoy in 1999.

Sean McDevitt of Champaign said he's worried about what the closing means for other businesses in town.

"We are down to (Barnes and Noble) and Borders, with Waldenbooks closing as well," McDevitt said. "Who's next?

The closing notice, signed by owners Brandon and Susan Griffing, says the closing is a result of the recession and they are reviewing options for the sale of remaining inventory and equipment. It also thanks the store's loyal customers over the years.

"You were the reason we opened, and your support allowed us to stay open as so many family-owned bookstores closed around the country," the Griffings wrote.

They also expressed gratitude for their employees, many of whom have been with the store for 20 years, and urged other employers to hire them.

The Griffings could not be reached for comment.

The store closed a week ago, with signs posted out front that it was closed for inventory.

Savoy Village Manager Dick Helton said Wednesday the Griffings shared their plans to close earlier in the week, but he didn't feel he was at liberty to disclose that until the Griffings announced it themselves.

Reactions from Twitter users who follow The News-Gazette. Follow us at http://twitter.com/news_gazette.

emcook: I'll miss the wonderful staff recommendations, the children's section, the free gift wrap and so much more!

eas10: I'm disappointed – we chose our apartment partly because of Pages' proximity. And now that center needs a coffee shop.

ch0d: If we had warning that they were in trouble, the community could have helped. Facebook helped us out at the Red Herring.

adamantlee: Although I'm not from the area, I found Pages to be a great place to find books that were normally sold out at bigger stores. It's really sad to see them go, and is a great loss for the readers in the area.

cpopetz: No way to adequately express losing our only indy new bookseller, but I fear this won't be the last loss we'll bear.

Leeanthro: As a former employee and regular customer for 20 years, I am sad to see Pages close.

jonasdees: very sad, from the time I could read (Pages) was there – great employees, great store. My only regret is that I didn't buy more.

odragul: I guess I won't be using my Pages for All Ages gift card.

MEG THILMONY