Renowned Japanese bookstore chain Books Kinokuniya is set to expand its presence in Singapore with a brand-new outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre. Scheduled to open in August 2025, the upcoming store promises a refreshing retail experience for literature lovers, complete with signature elements and a tranquil reading atmosphere. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new launch.
Books Kinokuniya Announces Raffles City Outlet Opening in August
In a Facebook announcement on April 21, Books Kinokuniya confirmed that a new store will open its doors at Raffles City this August. The 3,433 sq ft outlet will be located on the third floor of the iconic mall, further cementing the brand’s commitment to serving readers in central Singapore.
A Quiet Discovery: Store Designed for Immersive Reading
The upcoming outlet is crafted by award-winning architect Tan Kay Ngee, who also designed Kinokuniya’s flagship store at Ngee Ann City back in 1999. The Raffles City store is designed as a “quiet discovery”—a serene space that invites readers to explore rather than overwhelm them.
At the heart of the new store will be the Blue Room—a tranquil area dedicated entirely to literature. This thoughtfully curated space aims to foster deep, immersive reading experiences and evoke a contemplative ambiance. Adding a touch of nostalgia, the outlet will feature the iconic blue shelves from the Ngee Ann City flagship store, repurposed to maintain continuity in design and brand identity.
Flagship Store at Ngee Ann City Undergoes Major Changes
Earlier this year, it was announced that Kinokuniya’s flagship store at Ngee Ann City would downsize from its original 38,000 sq ft. Despite the reduction in space, a spokesperson assured that the variety of titles would remain robust, with plans to expand the range of merchandise to attract a broader audience.
The main entrance of the flagship store reopened on April 7, though renovations are still underway in other parts of the store. Notably, Kinokuniya has confirmed there will be no layoffs or manpower changes at the flagship outlet during this transition.
Kinokuniya’s Strategic Moves Amid Changing Book Retail Landscape
Over the past few years, Kinokuniya has closed several stores, including those at Jem mall in Jurong and Liang Court in Clarke Quay, reflecting a challenging retail climate for physical bookstores. Other major players like Times and Epigram Books have also shuttered outlets due to rising rentals and tightening margins.
Despite these industry challenges, Kinokuniya remains optimistic about its presence in Singapore. The spokesperson emphasized that the company is open to exploring new locations—provided the conditions are right in terms of venue and cost.
Conclusion
Books Kinokuniya’s new store at Raffles City is more than just another retail outlet—it’s a thoughtfully designed literary haven that promises a distinctive customer experience. As the bookstore adapts to evolving retail trends, it continues to find innovative ways to connect with its loyal readers. Stay tuned for more updates as the August opening approaches, and prepare to rediscover the joy of reading in a whole new setting.
