Books Kinokuniya has opened a new store in Chatswood, marking its second Australian location and its first local expansion in decades at Westfield Chatswood.
A New Chapter For Chatswood Readers
A long-established international bookseller has arrived in Chatswood, bringing a broad literary offering to Sydney’s North Shore. The new Books Kinokuniya store at Westfield Chatswood officially opened on Thursday, 9 April, representing a rare expansion for the retailer, which has maintained a single Australian presence for many years.
The Chatswood opening follows the company’s initial arrival in Australia in the 1990s, when its first store launched in Neutral Bay before relocating to a central Sydney site in 2002. That flagship location continues to operate, holding an extensive catalogue of more than 300,000 titles.
Now, the addition of the Chatswood store signals a renewed local footprint for the global retailer, which operates more than 140 stores worldwide.
Inside The Chatswood Store Experience
The Chatswood store introduces a curated mix of Australian and international titles, alongside a strong focus on Japanese and Chinese literature. Shelves also feature manga, children’s books, and a range of stationery and culturally themed products associated with Japanese popular culture.
The collection has been tailored to suit the diverse Chatswood community while maintaining the brand’s established identity. The store is designed to offer a welcoming space centred on discovery, creativity, and connection.
Positioned on Level 5 of Westfield Chatswood, the location reflects the area’s reputation as a vibrant and active hub.
Opening Draws Strong Local Interest
On opening day, customers gathered early to explore the new space, reflecting strong interest in the arrival of the bookstore. Additional launch activities were scheduled during the opening period, including a children’s storytelling event on Saturday, 12 April tied to a book release.
Community response has continued beyond the initial launch, with online engagement highlighting enthusiasm for the store and calls for further expansion into other cities. Requests for additional locations, particularly in Melbourne and other major centres, have been widely shared.
A Rare Expansion With More To Come
The Chatswood opening marks the first new Australian store for Books Kinokuniya in decades, positioning the location as a significant step in the company’s local presence.
The retailer, originally founded in 1927, has built an international reputation for its multilingual collections and expansive range. Plans for further expansion have been indicated, with another Australian location expected to open later in the year.
For Chatswood, the arrival of the bookstore adds a new cultural destination, reinforcing the area’s role as a centre for diverse and creative communities.
Published 16-Apr-2026
