Kinokuniya Bookstore to Launch in Bangladesh
Kinokuniya Bookstore, a longstanding name in the book retail industry, is set to make its debut in Bangladesh. The company plans to open its first store in the capital city of Dhaka on June 19, 2026. Located in the Centre Point Mall, which is adjacent to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, this new venture marks a significant step for Kinokuniya as it broadens its international presence.
Store Design and Offerings
The Dhaka store will operate under a franchise agreement with the United Group, a prominent conglomerate in Bangladesh primarily focused on power generation. Leveraging over 99 years of experience, Kinokuniya aims to showcase its expertise in book selection by providing an extensive range of English books, alongside local publications and stationery. Additionally, the new outlet will feature a cafe, enhancing the shopping experience for book lovers and casual visitors alike.
The store's design is conceptualized by Shakhawat Hossain Rocky, a notable local architect. The interior will harmonize with the rich culture and historical context of Bangladesh, ensuring an inviting atmosphere for customers.
Economic Context
Bangladesh, home to approximately 170 million people, is experiencing substantial economic growth, with GDP forecasts indicating a rise of 4.0% for the fiscal year 2024/2025, potentially accelerating to 6.3% by 2026/2027. The nation's youthful demographic, with an average age of around 29 years, further underlines its potential for sustained development. The capital, Dhaka, serves as the political, economic, and cultural nucleus of the country, boasting a metropolitan population of around 37 million, making it the second-largest urban area in the world. Recent infrastructure enhancements, such as the inauguration of an elevated train system, reflect the city’s rapid modernization.
About United Group
Founded in 1978, the United Group is a leading Bangladeshi conglomerate involved in various sectors, including retail, real estate, power generation, construction, healthcare, and education. The Centre Point Mall, where the new Kinokuniya store is to be located, is part of an extensive project, including the construction of a new terminal at Dhaka International Airport and aims to cater to a growing population and its diverse needs.
About Kinokuniya
Established in 1927, Kinokuniya is the largest bookstore chain in Japan, known for its wide-ranging selection of books and stationery. The company opened its first overseas location in San Francisco in 1969 and has since expanded to 49 stores across 11 countries, including the United States, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the UAE, Cambodia, and the Philippines. In Vietnam, Kinokuniya collaborates with FAHASA, the country's largest bookstore, to sell Japanese books.
The upcoming opening of the Dhaka store marks an essential milestone for Kinokuniya, enriching its international footprint and providing Bangladeshi readers with unparalleled access to a variety of literature and educational materials.
For inquiries related to this release, please contact: Kinokuniya Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department
[email protected]