Revolutionising bookselling in India: a new era of innovation and heritage

Crossword Bookstores: Merging Technology with Experiential Retail

With 120 stores across 40 cities, Crossword Bookstores is a beacon of innovation in the Indian retail bookselling segment. Under the visionary leadership of Aakash Gupta, Crossword has successfully blended a robust digital ecosystem with a dynamic in-store experience, transforming traditional bookselling into an engaging journey.

Their USP is a Seamless Omnichannel Experience. “The digital portal, www.crossword.in, is seamlessly integrated with every physical store, ensuring efficient shipping and unified shopping experience. Our outlets are cultural hotspots, hosting unique events such as open mics, blind dates with books, and cosplay contests. These events not only enhance the in-store experience but also create communities where literature thrives,” shared Aakash.

Sharing about innovations he added, “The upcoming AI-powered Recommendation Service and a revamped Loyalty Program are designed to further personalise the customer journey. And by fusing technology with experiential retail, Crossword ensures that the magic of books continues to inspire generations across India, even as digital trends evolve.”

Kunzum Books: A Cultural Oasis in the Heart of Delhi

Kunzum Book Store, founded by Ajay Jain, has redefined bookselling in Delhi with its four interactive stores. More than a traditional bookstore, Kunzum transforms retail into an immersive cultural experience by integrating literary events, live performances, and meticulously curated reading selections.

Their Greater Kailash II outlet spans four floors, offering a diverse collection of books alongside theatres that host cultural events—from poetry evenings to calligraphy workshops. Unlike cafébookstores, Kunzum prioritises literature. Free coffee is offered exclusively to buyers, reinforcing its core mission of celebrating the written word.

Ajay Jain explains, “We face two-fold challenges in selling to those who read: discounting and convenience of delivery. So we offer something others cannot.” Kunzum tackles these challenges head-on by offering:

• Unique Book Bundles: Enhanced with aspirational freebies such as totes and mugs.
• Innovative Subscriptions & Book Boxes: Providing value far beyond traditional offerings.
• Exclusive Editions: Sourcing signed and special editions—a rarity in today’s market.
• Graduate Program in Reading: With five levels of certification culminating in a “doctorate” of reading achievement.
• Curated Reading Lists: Developed by respected authors, editors, and thought leaders under the banner of #TimeToRead, designed to broaden readers’ horizons.

Walking Book Fairs: All Ways literature – Railways, Airways and Roadways

Walking BookFairs is at the forefront of community-driven bookselling, taking literature directly to readers in innovative ways. Co-founded by Akshaya Bahibala—a bookseller, poet, publisher, and library activist—this independent bookstore is renowned for its out-of-thebox initiatives that transcend traditional boundaries.

• On the Road: Since 2015, Walking BookFairs has covered 35,000 km across 20 states. The journey began with the ‘Read More India’ tour, where an old ambulance was transformed into a bookmobile, making literature accessible to remote areas.The ‘Poems on the Road’ tour in 2018 showcased diverse and marginalised voices in literature, underscoring the bookstore’s commitment to inclusivity.
• Flying Library: In November 2024, in partnership with India One Air and Speaking Tiger, the first-ever flying library was launched. This innovative initiative allowed airline passengers to immerse themselves in curated travel-themed books mid-flight— transforming air travel into a literary experience.
• Railway Literary Festivals: Further expanding their reach, Walking Book Fairs introduced the Travel Writing Festival on a train, with its second edition in December 2024 celebrating travel, literature, and food.

Their latest venture, the Chilika Poetry Festival in January 2025, continues this mission of bringing literature to unexpected places.

“We make a conscious attempt to seek out diverse and marginalised voices in literature—women in translation, anti-caste literature, indigenous writers, and books from small, independent presses. Our aim is to bring our readers in Bhubaneswar good books from around the world,” shared Akshaya.

Express Book Service: A Seven- Decade Legacy of Literary Excellence

Established in the early 1950s by the great grandfather of current owner Rohit Jerajani, Express Book Service carries a rich pre- Independence legacy that spans generations. This iconic bookstore has been a cultural landmark in Pune, attracting patrons like Jawaharlal Nehru, Narayan Murty, Bhimsen Joshi, Jagjit Singh, Raj Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Dimple Kapadia, and Simon Taufel.

Innovative Outreach and Community Engagement
• Books on Wheels: This inventive concept brought literature directly to the public.
• Corporate and Mall Stalls: Recreated book stalls in unconventional spaces have sparked reading awareness.
• Literary Festivals: From co-hosting the Pune International Literary Festival (PILF) to organising festivals in Lonavala, Khandala, Mumbai, and the Panchgani Children’s Literary Festival.
• Educational Initiatives: Regular speed reading classes at Azam Campus and Children’s Literary Festivals across over 25 schools in 2019.
• Monthly Book Talks: Held on the last Saturday in Pune with over 100 attendees.
• Digital Engagement: A dedicated monthly “new releases” email and daily updates keep customers informed.
• Innovative Vision: As a coorganiser of the Pune International Literary Festival—the first sportscentric literary festival featuring 42 Indian and international athletes— Rohit Jerajani champions a balanced ecosystem for booksellers.

Rohit Jerajani appealed to publishers for their support, “One thing I would love to change is to stop piracy. While I may not be able to end it completely, I believe publishers should stop offering online stores and major chains a 50% discount. It should be equitable for big and small booksellers alike. If corrective measures are not taken, the small bookseller will soon perish as the big fish gobble them up.”

Kitab Khana: A Modern Literary Sanctuary

Kitab Khana—a division of Somaiya Agencies Pvt. Ltd.—is a testament to the perfect blend of traditional literary charm and modern innovation. The store is celebrated for its meticulously curated collection, personalised service, and proactive approach to new releases.

Elevating the Book-Buying Experience

• Curated Collections: Kitab Khana offers a diverse range of titles that go beyond the bestselling list, encouraging readers to explore emerging writers and fresh perspectives.
• Personalised Recommendations: The store’s commitment to individual customer experiences sets it apart, ensuring that every visitor finds books tailored to their tastes.
• Digital Integration: With a robust social media presence and recognition as one of Financial Times London’s “20 most brilliant bookshops in the world” in 2021, Kitab Khana continues to innovate while preserving the charm of a physical bookstore.

Chief Operating Officer Jagath encapsulates the store’s mission, “If I could change one thing about bookbuying habits in India, it would be to encourage readers to explore beyond bestselling authors and popular genres. One change the Indian publishing ecosystem needs is to streamline and optimise the supply chain, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of books to stores.”

Literati Bookshop & Café: a literary haven in Goa

Nestled in a charming Portuguese-style bungalow in Calangute, Goa, Literati Bookshop & Café has been a beloved destination for book lovers, intellectuals, and writers for nearly two decades. Founded by Divya Kapur, this independent bookstore seamlessly blends literature with community engagement, offering an inviting space where books and conversations thrive.

Beyond its carefully curated selection of new, second-hand, and antiquarian books, Literati is renowned for its regular book launches, author readings, and book club meetings. The bookstore’s warm, intimate atmosphere frequently attracts eminent writers, journalists, and cultural enthusiasts, making it a hub for literary discussions.

Commenting on initiatives to increase book sales Divya added, “Book events are definitely a big draw. Depending on the book and author, we always attract new customers. We finally have a website where people can RSVP for events, but we are not technology-driven.”

She also asked for better publishers’ supports and said, “Publishers need to supply books to independent bookstores as ordered, without treating it like a charity. Indie bookshops should be recognised as equal partners in commissions, supply, and event support.”

Adding to its charm, Literati also houses an Italian café, offering the perfect setting to enjoy a book over a freshly brewed cup of coffee. For young readers, Bebook, a dedicated children’s mobile library within the store, provides an enriching space to explore literature from an early age.

On a concluding note…

India’s bookselling scene is adapting, combining tradition with new ideas to make bookshops more engaging. These passionate booksellers are keeping the joy of reading alive in a fast-changing world and we appreciate their initiatives.