Dymocks Planning Growth in Hong Kong

Shelf Awareness

Australian bookstore chain Dymocks, which "sees room for expansion" in Hong Kong, "is seeking to bring back the number of stores to about 12 after three were closed last year when their rental contracts expired," South China Morning Post reported. Dymocks operates more than 70 stores in Hong Kong and Australia, many of which are franchised.

Jannie Tam, general manager of Dymocks Franchise Systems (China), said changing reading habits, digital competition and soaring rents have created a challenging environment: "It's no longer a purely book business. It has evolved into a cultural business with entertainment elements." Tam added that Dymocks has recorded a "double-digit" rise in sales per square foot so far this year compared with the same period last year. "Hong Kong is small and readers still like visiting bookstores flipping through books."