Eslite to close famous Dunnan store in Taiwan

1 min readUpdated May 21, 2025Mar 13, 202011:14 PM

In this article (5)

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.

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What this means

Eslite's decision to relocate its iconic 24-hour Dunnan store after lease expiry is a pragmatic response to commercial realities rather than a strategic retreat. The commitment to maintaining a 24-hour presence indicates confidence in its unique 'bookstore-mall-cultural platform' model, which has also seen expansion into Hong Kong, Mainland China and Japan. While Eslite faces a challenge to replicate the Dunnan venue's established allure, this move could pressure competitors by demonstrating adaptability in a competitive retail landscape. The company’s continued consideration for Malaysia expansion with a local partner suggests a proactive growth strategy, differentiating it from simple store closures seen elsewhere. Watch for the specific location and opening date of the new 24-hour store.

Maria Santos · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

When is the Dunnan store in Taipei expected to close?

The Eslite Dunnan store will close at the end of May. This is because its current lease will expire then, and the operators could not agree on an extension with the landlord.

Will Eslite continue to operate a 24-hour store after the Dunnan closure?

Yes, Eslite has committed to maintaining its 24-hour trading service. It plans to offer this at an alternative location, though the new venue is not specified in the article.

What is Eslite's unique business model?

Eslite is known for its distinctive fusion retail model. It functions not just as a bookstore, but also incorporates elements of a shopping mall and a cultural creative platform.

Which other Eslite store is closing soon?

Another Eslite outlet in Tainan’s Anping District is also scheduled to close. Its closure will happen at the end of this month, due to an expired lease that will not be renewed.

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