Kinokuniya bookstore has leveled up!

Its flagship store in Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya has moved from Level 3 to Level 4, and has become more compact (about 20 per cent smaller).

It is now flanked by two restaurants, Imperial Treasure Teochew Cuisine and Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant. How aptly Singaporean.

Saturday's the re-opening of the store and everyone's wishing Kino well.

Even its competitors.

What are the staff's reactions to the smaller space?

Here is the diplomatic reply from store director director Kenny Chan in an Channel NewsAsia interview:

“We wanted the same size, but they were not able to give because there were two restaurants fronting this level, so we had to make do...That is why we had to sacrifice certain areas, like the cafes. Our Chinese and Japanese collections are a bit smaller. In terms of size, the reduction is about 40 per cent, but in terms of range, the reduction is much less, under 20 per cent...We have made it quite exciting, so I think the landlord has confidence that we will make the fourth level even more exciting for them".

And a reply from a stressful staff member managing today's crowd and Kinokuniya's Facebook page:

Check out the crowds at the store today:

Diplomat Tommy Koh was there too.

There were so many book-lovers...

At the squeezy magazines section.

Will Singaporeans' love with books last?

We hope their love for books will be as enduring as their love for bargains.

Related article:

Indonesian President SBY catching up on current affairs at Kinokuniya Singapore

Top photo from Neo Kinokuniya Facebook Page. 

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