Tis’ truly a sad day for book lovers across Singapore.
Yet another bookstore giant has shuttered its doors, possibly hinting at the demise of brick and mortar retail for print publications.
RIP Kinokuniya at Liang Court. You’ll be sorely missed when you’re gone once Sunday (21 Apr) rolls around.
Borders’ exit in Singapore back in 2011 left many 90s kids barely coping — after the tragic loss of a reliable hideout to browse Captain Underpants comics in the aisles.
Many of us turned to the hallowed hallways of Kinokuniya for respite from assessment book-heavy Popular bookstores in heartland malls.
We will definitely miss running our fingers along the spines of endless manga volumes, and squealing at the latest Sanrio merch shelved neatly in the stationery section.
What began as Kinokuniya’s shrinking footprint with a smaller lot at Ngee Ann City post-renovation in 2014, continues a worrying trend as the Japanese mega bookstore’s other iconic outlet at Liang Court closes after 36 years of operations.
Kindles and the emergence of new media have changed the game when it comes to getting first dibs on our favourite fiction & non-fiction releases.
Instead of buying hard copies of magazines or novels, we simply check Goodreads for recommendations, and click to order a copy online. Many book services also deliver the titles straight to your doorstep.
Liang Court’s outlet was home to 150,000 titles ranging from English, Chinese and Japanese releases back in the day. A number which has swiftly diminished as consumers find new ways to consume original content online.
Kinokuniya’s latest closure would mean there are only 3 physical outlets left standing in Singapore:
1. Bugis Junction
Address: 200 Victoria St, #03-09 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Nearest MRT: Bugis Station
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10.30am-10pm
Contact No: 6339 1790
2. Ngee Ann City (Flagship outlet)
Address: 391 Orchard Rd, 04-20/20B/20C/20E, Singapore 238872
Nearest MRT: Orchard Station
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10am-9.30pm
Contact No: 6737 5021
3. JEM Shopping Mall
Address: 50 Gateway Dr, 04-23, Singapore 608549
Nearest MRT: Jurong East Station
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri & Sun 10am-9.30pm, Open till 10pm on Sat.
Contact No: 6430 0868
We’ve reached out to Kinokuniya Singapore to inquire if there’s going to be one last sale at Liang Court for Singaporeans to show their support before it closes.
We can think of no better way to send off the OG anchor tenant in Liang Court since Dec 1983, and their absence in our local bookstore scene will be sorely missed.
Especially since there’ll be no more adorable stationery hauls after a last-minute ramen run.
In case you’re planning a final visit, here are the deets you’ll need to get there.
Liang Court
Address: 177 River Valley Road, #03-50 Liang Court, 179036
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay Station
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu, 11am-8.30pm, Fri-Sun, 10.30am-9.30pm
Contact No: 6337 1300
Closing On: Sunday, 21 April
Let us know what fond memories you have of the place in the comments section below. And start planning that final trip with your old school mates to visit the iconic hangout while you still can.
Featured image from InSing.
"It is difficult to say goodbye," said WSJ editor-in-chief Emma Tucker.
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