Beloved by Australians visiting Japan, this bookstore is finally headed to Melbourne

Melbourne's iconic shopping district, Melbourne Central, is set to welcome one of Japan’s most beloved bookstores, Books Kinokuniya, to its premises by the end of August 2026. This marks the first time in 15 years that the shopping center has housed a bookshop since the closure of Borders in 2011. The arrival of Kinokuniya follows a major $170 million redevelopment of the Lonsdale Street end of the complex, which includes expanded retail spaces, new dining options, and enhanced leisure facilities. The redevelopment project, led by The GPT Group, aims to increase the retail footprint of Melbourne Central by 14 percent, adding approximately 7800 square meters of new retail space across levels 3 and 4. The total retail area will expand to around 63,000 square meters, reflecting the continued growth of the shopping precinct. Construction work on the new two-level dining, leisure, and entertainment hub is already underway, with plans to focus on creating a slower-paced dining experience rather than fast-food offerings. As part of the transformation, ten new food retailers, ranging from fine-dining establishments to casual eateries, are set to be announced in the coming months. Some of these venues will include outdoor balconies offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Chris Barnett, head of retail for The GPT Group, emphasized that the addition of Kinokuniya would serve as a key differentiator for the shopping center, enhancing its appeal to both locals and tourists. Books Kinokuniya, founded in Tokyo in 1927, has grown into a global chain with over 150 stores worldwide. Its presence in Australia began in 1996 with the opening of its first store in Sydney’s Neutral Bay, which later moved to the city center in 2002. A second Sydney location was launched in April 2026 in Chatswood. The Melbourne store will offer a curated selection of English-language books, along with unique comics, manga, and multilingual publications, as well as imported stationery. An events space within the store will host author signings, craft workshops, and other cultural activities. Satoshi Yada, managing director of Kinokuniya Australia, expressed excitement about the store’s anticipated impact on the local community. He noted that the new location will cater to both residents and visitors, providing access to a diverse array of literary and artistic materials. The store’s presence is expected to further enrich Melbourne Central’s reputation as a premier destination for shopping, dining, and cultural engagement. Melbourne Central itself is a bustling commercial hub, attracting 55 million visitors annually and generating over $700 million in yearly sales. With 100 percent occupancy across its current retail space, the shopping center continues to thrive, driven by its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market demands. The inclusion of Kinokuniya underscores the ongoing commitment to diversifying the retail landscape and maintaining Melbourne’s status as a dynamic urban center.