Readings books owner Mark Rubbo says he wants to bring the business to a new market "and see what happens". Readings books owner Mark Rubbo says he wants to bring the business to a new market "and see what happens". Photo: Eddie Jim

One of Australia's leading independent book shops, Readings, has made a surprise move from the street and into a major shopping centre.
Next month, the 47-year-old Readings, a stalwart of Lygon Street, Carlton and Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, moves into a shop near the David Jones department store in Westfield Doncaster.

 Readings chief Mark Rubbo​ said Westfield first approached him about opening a store in the centre after Borders closed in 2011.
"The industry was in a slump then but we kept talking and finally last year, we came to an agreement," Mr Rubbo said.