What does the cryptic crossword clue "Retail complex - it repelled bookworms (8)" mean?

The definition is "bookworms". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of RETAIL + IT = LITERATI; definition: "bookworms" The answer is LITERATI.

Retail complex - it repelled bookworms (8)

Daily Mail Cryptic #16298 | 22 Across | 2020-04-21 flower