Bookstores keep disappearing, but our love for books hasn’t gone anywhere. If people still read, why do these spaces keep shutting their doors? And why are some independent bookstores still standing strong while others vanish?

In this episode, we look beyond the headlines and nostalgia to find out what’s really keeping bookshops alive. Is it just the books? Or is it the careful curation, the sense of community, the slower pace in a fast-scrolling world? From thoughtful shelf selections to book cafés, merchandise, and cultural events, maybe the bookstore is no longer just a place to shop, but a place to belong.

Joining us are Fong Min Hun, owner of Lit Books, and Jason Chen, Executive Director of CzipLee. Together, we discuss what it really takes to keep a bookstore going, what margins look like behind the scenes, and what we all stand to lose if these spaces disappear for good.

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