The beloved Japanese bookstore chain has officially opened its doors at Raffles City Shopping Centre — weeks ahead of schedule. The new outlet offers an expanded retail experience for book and stationery lovers in a prime city-centre location.
An Early Surprise for Book Lovers
Book enthusiasts in Singapore were in for a pleasant surprise as Books Kinokuniya’s newest outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre opened its doors on Friday, July 18, several weeks ahead of its previously announced August launch.
This marks the brand’s third operational outlet in Singapore, joining the ranks of the flagship store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre and the Bugis Junction outlet. The Takashimaya store itself underwent a “right-sizing” earlier this year as part of a refreshed retail strategy.
According to Books Kinokuniya, the early opening was made possible as renovation and preparatory works progressed faster than planned.
What to Expect at the New Raffles City Store
Located on the third floor of Raffles City, the new store takes over the former space occupied by electronics retailer Challenger. The outlet spans 3,433 square feet and introduces a fresh layout designed for modern readers.
At the heart of the space is a dedicated reading room, featuring deep blue shelves and a cozy ambiance that encourages browsing and quiet reading. This aesthetic blend of modernity and warmth is a step forward in Kinokuniya’s goal to create experiential retail spaces that appeal to today’s book lovers.
In addition to its book collections, the store offers a curated selection of exclusive merchandise, including:
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Cat-themed products by Japanese illustrator Matsuo Miyuki
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Rare collectibles from Pickles the Frog, a beloved character in Japanese pop culture
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Exclusive stationery previously only available at NBC, Kinokuniya’s sister brand
This diverse merchandise selection aligns with Kinokuniya’s ongoing strategy of blending literature with lifestyle, appealing to both readers and design-savvy shoppers.
Strategic Location in the Heart of the City
Raffles City was chosen deliberately for its strategic central location, high foot traffic, and accessibility via multiple MRT lines. The mall is known for its wide mix of retail, dining, and hotel offerings, making it an ideal venue for Books Kinokuniya to engage a broader community of readers.
A spokesperson for Kinokuniya shared, “We saw this as the perfect location to introduce a refreshed retail concept and continue our mission of promoting a love for reading and culture in Singapore. The move to rebrand NBC’s former outlet at Raffles City also allows us to better serve both stationery fans and book lovers under one cohesive brand experience.”
Is a New Outlet at Jewel or JEM Next?
In the lead-up to the Raffles City launch, Books Kinokuniya’s official Instagram account sparked speculation by hinting at possible new outlets at Jewel Changi Airport and JEM — the latter of which closed in 2022.
However, Kinokuniya clarified that these mentions were actually based on suggestions from customers, not confirmed plans.
“At this moment, these projects are not in the works,” the company clarified in a response to CNA Lifestyle. “But we do value our customers’ input, and such feedback plays an important role in our strategic planning for future expansions.”
While there may not be concrete plans just yet, the idea of more Kinokuniya outlets across the island remains an exciting prospect for fans of the brand.
A Growing Presence Amid Changing Retail Trends
Books Kinokuniya’s continued growth comes at a time when many brick-and-mortar bookstores around the world are struggling to stay afloat. Yet, the brand’s unique ability to merge traditional book retail with lifestyle, design and pop culture gives it a competitive edge.
By reimagining the bookstore as a community hub — a space for discovery, creativity and connection — Kinokuniya is successfully attracting both long-time readers and new generations of customers.
Plan Your Visit
The new outlet is located at:
Books Kinokuniya Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-22/23, Raffles City Shopping Centre
Singapore 179103
Whether you’re looking for the latest novels, Japanese manga, international magazines or exclusive stationery, this newly opened store is set to become a new favourite stop for book lovers in the city.
Final Thoughts
Books Kinokuniya’s early launch at Raffles City marks an exciting new chapter for the bookstore chain in Singapore. With its modern design, strategic location and thoughtful curation, the new store delivers more than just books — it offers an experience.
As readers seek more intimate and meaningful ways to engage with literature, Kinokuniya’s continued evolution proves that bookstores still have a vital role in Singapore’s retail and cultural landscape.
Make your way to Raffles City and discover the magic for yourself — no pre-order required.
