KUALA LUMPUR, January 5 – This year is shaping up to be a mega bookstore revolution with Kuala Lumpur welcoming Japanese books Tsutaya to Pavilion Bukit Jalil and the opening of Taiwan’s Eslite Spectrum to The Starhill.
The two are opening their first Southeast Asian stores in Malaysia.
By the first quarter of 2022, KL-lites will get a taste of Japanese Tsutaya books at the Bukit Jalil Pavilion.
Tsutaya Books is Japan’s largest bookstore chain with over 1,400 stores in Japan, Taiwan and China. The Tsutaya brand and Tsutaya Books have a comprehensive Japanese pop culture platform.
The store will feature a unique concept themed “Cultivate Culture & Lifestyle” where they hope to provide an environment conducive to relationships and community bonding.
The 31,000 square foot space will include a bookstore and cafe. Also expect specialized merchandise and business areas.
The bookstore will be staffed by a team of expert concierges who will be on hand to offer personalized advice and assistance.
You can also shop for select gifts and souvenirs such as stationery, arts and crafts, home decor items, fragrances and more.
“We look forward to launching our first bookstore in Southeast Asia with Pavilion Bukit Jalil and we can’t wait for Malaysians to experience the Tsutaya brand for the first time. In line with our vision of cultivating culture and lifestyle, we hope to create a space for families and children who love books, design and art to grow, explore and thrive together at Tsutaya Books,” said Hideyuki Uemoto, director of Tsutaya Books Malaysia.
Featured as “one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world” by the online magazine flavor yarn, Tsutaya Books will be the perfect eye candy for everyone on social media. We can expect a unique design as each Tsutaya outlet has a distinct personality. Notable Tsutaya stores include the iconic T site in Daikanyama, Shibuya and Ginza Six in Tokyo.
As reported by The Edge Malaysia, Tsutaya Books is introduced by KLSE-listed Global Oriental Berhad, which has partnered with Japanese company Sojitz Corporation to sign a deal with franchise holder Tsutaya Books, Culture Convenience Club Co. Limited.
At Starhill, Taiwan’s Eslite Spectrum is also expected to open this year as well. No confirmed opening date has been announced for anchor tenant The Starhill.
In an interview with The Edge Malaysiait was mentioned that the store will span 70,191 square feet, more than double Tsutaya Books.
It will feature a selection of Chinese, English and Malay books, music and handicrafts. The bookstore is also envisioned as an intercultural and creative exchange between Malaysia and Taiwan.
You can also attend various events there and dine at their themed restaurants and cafes.
For updates on the opening date of Tsutaya Books, follow Pavilion Bukit Jalil’s Facebook @PavilionBukitJalil