Our bookstores as we know them are quickly disappearing.
Now family bookstore Times may soon be joining the ranks of MPH, after announcing an impending closure of their Centrepoint outlet on 23 Sep.
This comes on the back of MPH shutting their last two branches, while other branches from the likes of Kinokuniya – at Liang Court – and Popular – Thomson Plaza – have also closed in recent months.
The latest news is not shocking, but sad nonetheless. But long-time fans of the brand can look forward to a moving out sale offering up to 50% off on items.
Bookstores may continue to dwindle in number, but there is a temporary respite for book fans: Times Centrepoint will be having a moving out sale until its closure on 23 Sep.
To reward members for their loyalty, 50% discount is being offered while there will be 30% discount for non-members.
Here’s how you can get there.
Times Centrepoint
Address: 176 Orchard Road, #04-08/09/10/11, Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Contact No: +65 6734 9022
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri (11am–8:30pm), Sat-Sun (11am–9pm)
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT Station
While Times Centrepoint is closing its doors, fans of Times can still get their book fix at nearby Paragon, Plaza Singapura, and Marina Square.
Or if you live in the heartlands, there are other outlets at Tampines 1, Jelita and Waterway Point.
Times Paragon
Address: 290 Orchard Rd, #04-06/07 Paragon, Singapore, Singapore 238859
Contact No: +65 6836 6182
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (10am-9:30pm)
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT Station
Times Plaza Singapura
Address: 68 Orchard Rd, #04-05, Singapore 238839
Contact No: +65 6336 8861
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (10am-10pm)
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station
Times Marina Square
Address: 6 Raffles Blvd, Marina Square, #03-149 to 151, Singapore 039594
Contact No: +65 6250 7528
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (10am-10pm)
Nearest MRT: Esplanade MRT Station
For some, there is no replacing the smell of a fresh books — incidentally, there’s a word for that, “biblosmia”.
However, bibliosmia may become a memory of the distant past if recent trends continue.
Digital publishing is becoming the new paperback, and physical bookstores have to refocus their strategy to compete with a booming e-book market.
Remember, Kindles have a finite shelf life, but books last forever.
Featured image adapted from Kidlander.
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