Eslite to close famous Dunnan store in Taiwan

Taiwanese bookstore chain Eslite will shutter its 24-hour Dunnan shop in Taipei when the store’s lease expires at the close of May.

The bookstore, which has remained popular with backpackers visiting the city since its opening in 1999, was slated for closure after the operators failed to agree on a lease extension with the landlord.

Given the popularity of the venue, Eslite has committed to continue its 24-hour trading at an alternative location.

The closure will follow that of another outlet in Tainan’s Anping District at the end of this month, also due to an expired lease that will not be renewed.

The 30-year-old chain is well known for its unique fusion retail business model as a bookstore, mall and cultural creative platform. It has overseas outlets in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Japan and is reportedly considering expansion into Malaysia if it can find a local partner.