6 Local Online Book Stores To Buy Your Books With Amazon’s Book Depository Closed

It has nearly been a month since Amazon’s online bookstore, Book Depository had its final chapter. With its closure, avid readers are now discovering other accessible online book sources.

Local bookstores have also made a name for themselves as reputable online book sources. From sustainable to purposeful to niche bookstores, we highlight six local online book stores that we think it’s worth checking out.

Read also: Buying Books Online As A Family: How Much Can You Save Buying From International Stores Using YouTrip?

#1 OpenTrolley

With 15 million book titles within 4,000 categories, this local online book platform could easily rival Amazon’s book depository. OpenTrolley has a vast range of books from general categories such as ‘Children fiction’ stories to niche titles such as ‘Antiques and Collectibles’. Furthermore, these categories are further specified into multiple subsections. If you’re looking for a similar alternative to Book Depository, this is your place.

P.S. The list does not end there

Additionally, OpenTrolley offers 20% off all books as part of its monthly promotions. The prices stated on their website are after discounts and this monthly promotion is valid till 31 December 2023.

Delivery Fee: $4.90 (Free if order is $60 and above)

Delivery Time: 6 to 9 working days.

#2 Books Kinokuniya, Singapore

You heard and probably been to Kinokuniya bookstores in Singapore. But have you visited their online bookstore?

Books Kinokuniya, Singapore though a Japanese bookstore chain, has made its mark on Singaporeans. Its vast library online expands to 500,000 titles beyond English books to Chinese, Japanese and French titles.

If you’re a regular customer, signing up for Kinokuniya’s Privilege Card could be considered. For a fee of S$21.60 to S$56.20 (8% GST inclusive), depending on the number of years you sign up for (1 to 3), you get to enjoy 10% off books.

Exclusive discounts and promotions are also offered on selected items at certain periods. For instance, you will be entitled to a 20% monthly discount. Other privileges include ticket discounts at selected workshops or museums. You can check out Books Kinokuniya’s page to find out more.

If you’re one who prefers to browse through physical books before buying them, Kinokuniya Singapore is also currently operating two physical stores located at Ngee Ann City and Bugis Junction.

Delivery Fee: $4.80 (Free if order is $50 and above). Self-collection available at main store at Ngee Ann City

Delivery time: 5 to 7 working days.

#3 Epigram Bookshop

Epigram Bookshop, a local independent publisher, is the brainchild of design firm, Epigram. What’s unique about this particular online bookstore is that it focuses on fiction and non-fiction Singaporean titles.

Aspiring writers are also given a voice through this platform and simply need to submit their manuscripts via the website. Chinese titles, Lifestyle and Professional Development titles are also available in Epigram Bookshop’s curated library.

If you’re looking for a cosy space to sip some coffee and read, Epigram Bookshop’s café concept bookstore: Epigram Coffee Bookshop has a space at Tanjong Pagar Distripark.

Delivery fee: S$1.60 (Free if order is above S$50)

Delivery time: 7 to 10 working days. Preorders and backorders may take longer.

#4 Ethos Books

With a similar concept to Epigram Bookstore, Ethos Books is a local independent publisher focusing on literary fiction, non-fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry titles authored by Singaporeans. Ethos Books shows their support for the literary community in Singapore by taking a collaborative approach with aspiring local authors and showcasing their stories on its platform.

Ethos’ books are available in both paperback and E-books at the same prices. You can also choose to sign up as a member with Ethos. There are three membership tiers readers can choose from: a one, six or yearly subscription plans. Regardless of which tier, all members are able to access archives of exclusive digital materials such as essays, stories, audio files of previous Ethos events.

Delivery fee: S$2.80 (Free if orders are above S$30)

Delivery time: 5 to 10 working days.

#5 Thryft

Thryft is a Singapore-based sustainable online bookstore. With a vast library from best-selling fiction novels to vintage and rare book titles, Thryft sells both new and second-hand books. This makes its prices lower than usual bookstore prices with starting prices going as low as about S$2 (inclusive of tax), supporting the purpose of making books accessible to everyone. Additionally, 1% of profits made, go to NGOs and other charities.

In terms of sustainability, Thryft adopts sustainable packaging with a plastic-free packaging policy for books delivered locally. For orders with less than six books, customers can choose to opt for their books to be delivered in Thryft’s reusable bag. The bag can then be returned to Thryft at any Singpost mailboxes.

Customers can also choose to trade-in or donate their pre-loved books in exchange for store credits or cash respectively. You can either opt for a pick-up service right at your doorstep if you have over 200 items for a flat fee of S$15. Alternatively, you can drop-off your items at designated drop-off points listed on their website.

Delivery fee: S$4.00 (Free if order is above S$30)

Delivery time: 2 to 7 working days.

#6 Woods in the Books

Woods in the Books is an independent bookstore in Singapore specialising in illustrated and picture books. Catering to those young at heart and want to see their favourite childhood characters come to life. Woods in the Books has a range of nostalgic collections from classics authors like Roald Dahl, Charles Dickens to locally produced titles such as Adeline Foo’s “Diary of Amos Lee”.

Of course, with picture books, children come to mind and Woods in the Books’ brainchild: Books Ahoy! has got that covered. Books Ahoy! provides picture and chapter books to support and grow the imaginations of young readers.

If you’re one to enjoy a good book with the right ambience, Books in the Woods also has a physical bookstore at Tiong Bahru.

Delivery fee: S$5.00 (Free if orders are S$55 and above)

Delivery time: 3 to 4 working days.

Read also: 3 Finance Books Recommended By The DollarsAndSense Team To Kickstart Your Financial Journey

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