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                                              By Joey Moon (Taiwan) 文:何宗慧(台湾)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   茑屋书店:最美日系代表 Tsutaya Bookstore has evolved into a cultural destination that attests to an optimistic future for physical bookstores. 茑屋书店以独特的设计与定位,成为别样的文化场所,让书店永续生存下去。                                                                                                                                                                         The only Japanese bookstore chosen as one of the 20 most beautiful bookstores in the world, Tsutaya Bookstore opened its first branch in Taipei on 24 January 2017. Although other Japanese bookstores such as Books Kinokuniya and Junkudo had done so earlier, none had garnered as much attention as Tsutaya Bookstore’s opening, because a Taiwanese bookstore – eslite bookstore – had also been featured on the same list. Booklovers in Taiwan looked forward to seeing the fireworks when two of the most beautiful bookstores appeared on the same stage. Home, Where it is Safe Four years after debuting in Taiwan, Tsutaya Bookstore has six branches today, the largest of which is located in Taipei’s Nangang District. At 500 ping (about 17,795 square feet), the Nangang District branch features Tsutaya Bookstore’s "a haven like home" design concept, with a shop located within the bookstore to create a cultural and lifestyle space that goes beyond just selling books. Featuring iconic local brands like Louisa Coffee, you will be greeted by the aroma of coffee as soon as you step through the door. There is plenty of space for everyone to read a book over a cup of coffee, or just to spend time with friends. Interestingly, products from the three non-book categories of stationery, groceries and small household appliances are displayed next to books of related topics. This juxtaposition enourages customers to skip searching on their phones and pick up one of these books instead. A separate children's book area lets younger customers watch performances or listen to stories while their parents are reading books and enjoying their coffee outside the area. This setup allows the parents to keep an eye on their children’s activities from a distance while being in the same space, giving a sense of security just like being at home. Repositioning the Bookstore Facing stiff competition from online bookstores and shopping platforms, brick- and-mortar bookstores all over the world have undergone various transformations to stay relevant. Tsutaya Bookstore’s management believe that the physical bookstores can no longer simply be about selling books. Instead, they believe that       139 popularnews - 25 


































































































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