Books Kinokuniya is set to open a new outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre in August 2025, marking an exciting development for the beloved bookstore chain. Spanning 3,433 square feet on the mall’s third floor, the new store will take over the unit previously occupied by NBC Stationery & Gifts. Designed by renowned architect Tan Kay Ngee, who also created the iconic flagship outlet at Ngee Ann City in 1999, the upcoming space is envisioned as “a quiet discovery” — intentionally understated to create an inviting atmosphere for book lovers.
At the heart of the new store will be the Blue Room, a serene, contemplative space dedicated to literature and immersive reading. Kinokuniya will also repurpose its signature blue bookshelves from the flagship store, offering a sense of continuity even as its physical footprint evolves. Earlier this year, the company announced a significant downsizing of its 38,000-square-foot Ngee Ann City location. Despite the reduction, a spokesperson confirmed that the selection of titles remains robust, with plans to introduce a broader and more diverse merchandise range. Importantly, there will be no staffing changes at the flagship store, which partially reopened in April and continues to undergo transformation.
The opening at Raffles City signals Kinokuniya’s continued commitment to serving readers amid a challenging retail environment. In recent years, the brand closed outlets at Jem and Liang Court, part of a wider contraction in Singapore’s physical bookstore scene. However, Kinokuniya remains optimistic, stating that new outlets will be considered when location and pricing align. As the brand prepares to welcome visitors to its new home, it expressed gratitude for the support and patience of its customers during this transition — and promised to see everyone soon at Raffles City.
