The downsizing comes after rental negotiations with landlord Toshin Development. Shoppers at Singapore's last big bookstore on Feb 16 and 17 were met with rows of empty shelves in the front quarter of the store and staff in a flurry of reshuffling.
It is unclear at the moment what percentage of the 38,000 sq ft store will be returned to the landlord, though shelves closer to the storefront, dedicated to local literature, Asian literature, psychology, philosophy, mystery and thriller, have been emptied.
The bookstore on Feb 17 remained operational when The Straits Times visited. A recurring announcement over the PA system informed shoppers that Books Kinokuniya was "making changes to store layout" and to approach staff if they are unable to find the items they are seeking.
Books Kinokuniya told ST that "challenges are ever present for book retailers".
This story is from the February 19, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the February 19, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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