Singapore’s largest bookstore, the Books Kinokuniya flagship in Takashimaya shopping centre on Orchard Road, is downsizing – again.
The company said changes will include refinement of its book collection while incorporating a lifestyle element, including a new cafe set to open this year.
A recent rental negotiation with Toshin Development has led to announcements informing shoppers that Books Kinokuniya is “currently making changes to store layout” and advising them to approach staff if they cannot find what they need.
The decision is likely a response to the declining book retail industry, which is experiencing a rise in poor reading habits and diminishing book-buying rates coupled with high rental costs.
According to a 2021 survey by the National Library Board, only 33 per cent of respondents reported reading six or more books a year.
Currently, the store occupies 38,000sqft of retail space on one floor, a size that has fluctuated over the years.
From 1999 to 2013, it occupied a 42,000 sqft space on the third level of the mall before reducing its size by approximately 25 percent and relocating to the fourth floor in 2013 to make room for new retail offerings.
After the closure of the Chinese restaurant Imperial Treasure Teochew Cuisine in 2016, Books Kinokuniya regained 5000sqft of space and subsequently reopened with a layout and frontage that is familiar to shoppers today.
Books Kinokuniya said that challenges are “ever present” for book retailers.
“Our Singapore main store continues to evolve while remaining true to our core values, offering an extensive collection of quality titles housed in a pleasant ambience,” it added.
