ONE PHOTO EVERY WEEK 10/52/2025- INDIE BOOKSHOP

ONE PHOTO EVERY WEEK 10/52/2025- INDIE BOOKSHOP

My top two places in any airports or shopping complexes are cafe and bookshop. The habit started way back in the 1990's when I discovered a cafe inside ETC Bookshop and The Foyle in London where the bookshops also have cafe inside. Later, I used to go to MPH Damansara, Borders and Kinokuniya in Kuala Lumpur.

I love both the corporate big bookshops and independent small/specilised bookshops. Big bookshops cater for every genres of books and stationery and the small bookshops for their niches market segmets. Both big and small suffered badly due to the online books in the early 2010s and the Covid19 in ealry 2020.

i bought a few books to learn how to run a bookshop and visit a few indie bookshops. From my observation in BB Bangi, It is more profitable and sustainable to own a cafe than a bookshop. However, due to my interests in special books , I always visit indie bookshop like Riwayat in KL. Talking about big and small bookshops, it reminds me of the film You've Got Mail. The bookshop owners fell in love and got married. Each has its own market segment and I personally want all the bookshops to survive. I support both.

If you wish to start selling books, I suggest you start online bookshops. Last year the government spent about RM250m giving vouchers to students to buy books via KOTABUKU. This year may be more. Please check with KOTA BUKU. My friend sold more than RM1.0 m via online sale.

If you want to start a physical bookshop, I suggest you start small to learn the rope and make sure you have enough capital to surive the gestation of period varying from one to two years. And also do online sales.

Below is a short note on setting indie bookshop.

Setting up an independent bookshop in Malaysia has both challenges and opportunities, but with the right strategy, it can be a viable business. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Opportunities & Business Potential

1. Growing Interest in Niche and Independent Bookstores

• Readers are increasingly seeking curated selections, indie publications, and unique experiences that chain bookstores don’t offer.

• Bookshops that focus on local authors, rare books, or specific themes (e.g., arts, philosophy, design, business) can attract loyal customers.

2. Cultural and Literary Scene Development

• Malaysia has an expanding literary and arts scene, with more book festivals, poetry readings, and author events.

• An independent bookshop can become a cultural hub by hosting book launches, discussions, and workshops.

3. Café + Bookstore Model Works Well

• Many successful independent bookstores combine a coffee shop or reading lounge, encouraging customers to spend more time (and money) in-store.

• This model creates a community space rather than just a retail store.

4. Rise of the “Bookstagram” and “BookTok” Culture

• Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have revived interest in books, especially among younger readers.

• A well-branded indie bookshop can leverage this trend with aesthetic book displays, storytelling content, and online promotions.

5. Potential for Online Sales & Subscription Models

• A physical bookstore can be supported by an online store, book subscription service, or curated book boxes.

• Offering rare or special edition books online can expand the customer base beyond local foot traffic.

Challenges & Considerations

1. Competition from Major Chains & Online Retailers

• Large bookstore chains (e.g., Kinokuniya, MPH, Popular) and online platforms (e.g., Shopee, Lazada, Book Depository) dominate the market with competitive pricing.

• Solution: Focus on specialization (e.g., indie books, rare finds, themed collections) and customer experience rather than competing on price alone.

2. High Rental Costs in Prime Locations

• Renting space in malls or commercial districts can be expensive.

• Solution: Consider hidden gems like old shophouses, heritage buildings, or mixed-use spaces where rent is lower but foot traffic is still viable.

3. Reading Culture & Market Demand

• While Malaysia has a strong reading culture, it is not as mainstream as in some Western countries.

• Solution: Offer events, memberships, and creative experiences to encourage repeat customers and community engagement.

4. Inventory & Supplier Challenges

• Getting books at competitive wholesale prices can be difficult for small bookstores.

• Solution: Work with independent publishers, local authors, and direct suppliers to cut costs and create exclusivity.

Final Thoughts

An independent bookshop in Malaysia can thrive if positioned correctly—focusing on niche markets, community building, and a multi-revenue model (e.g., events, online sales, café integration). Instead of just selling books, it should be a lifestyle and cultural experience that resonates with modern readers.