SINGAPORE – Step aside, Amazon! Local book lovers now have a fresh, socially responsible alternative for online book shopping. Eight of Singapore's beloved indie bookstores have joined forces to unveil Bookshop.sg, a one-stop online haven featuring over 40,000 titles.

Launched on May 14, Bookshop.sg showcases a diverse range of fiction, non-fiction, and children's literature available in English, Mandarin, and Malay. The initiative involves notable bookstores such as Epigram Books, Basheer Graphic Books, Wardah Books, Thryft, Sea Breeze Books, City Book Room, Union Book, and Nurul Anwar Bookstore.

What’s more? Enjoy free local shipping on orders above $150 or a $5.90 fee for smaller purchases, all while selecting titles from across these eight bookstores. "We’re giving conscious consumers an ethical option for book shopping," shares Thryft’s CEO, Eddie Lim.

Mr. Ibrahim Tahir, founder of Wardah Books, explains that the idea for collaboration sparked during his meeting with other indie booksellers back in December 2024—brainstorming ways to combat the trend of browsing local stores only to buy cheaper from online giants like Amazon, which is detrimental to Singapore’s literary scene.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Ibrahim cites the 2014 French law aimed at protecting local bookstores, noting that Singapore lacks similar protections. "This is a form of radical cooperation, ensuring that the money spent in local stores fuels community growth, from author events to book clubs—something Amazon simply doesn’t do," he says.

With recent headlines dominated by the closure of several bookstores, including the exit of Times Bookstores and the shuttering of Epigram Coffee Bookshop in early 2025, the launch comes at a pivotal time.

Edmund Wee, publisher at Epigram Books, emphasizes the importance of collaboration, stating, "The more platforms to sell books, the better for everyone involved. It’s not competition; it’s about community." Meanwhile, language-focused booksellers hope the multilingual site helps English readers discover diverse titles.

Mr. Ang Jin Yong from Sea Breeze Books believes there’s a market for English readers interested in mother tongue books, potentially broadening their audience.

In a move that signals a new era of collaboration among booksellers, Ms. Tan Waln Ching of City Book Room expressed enthusiasm for sharing insights and strategies.

Facing common industry challenges such as competitive pricing from global corporations and declining foot traffic, the launch of Bookshop.sg draws inspiration from similar initiatives that gained traction in the US and UK in 2020.

As rental costs continue to challenge local bookstores, innovative concepts like Casual Poet Library have emerged to adapt to a changing marketplace.

With promises of a user experience that rivals Amazon, Bookshop.sg is gearing up to incorporate more indie stores and highlight curated selections in the future.

Mr. Ibrahim envisions that this platform will also guide new readers to physical bookstores, reinforcing their essential role in the literary ecosystem, where publishers, writers, and readers converge.

As the launch approaches, Bookshop.sg is set to host two panels at Thryft Hub on May 31, where participating bookstores will present some of their top titles— registration for this free event is required.