Taiwan’s 24-hour Eslite Bookstore was held up as a model in the Belgian newspaper De Morgen. The paper said it hopes the Belgian government would open 24-hour businesses like Eslite to let their people enjoy the same kind of pleasure the Taiwanese do at their round-the-clock bookstore.
People young and old can sit down and read books at Eslite Bookstore for free. Crowds peak late at night, between 10 pm and 2 am. The article likened Eslite to a trendy upscale neighborhood in New York City: “To young customers, the place is like New York City’s Soho district on a Friday night”.
De Morgen praised how Eslite has created an inviting atmosphere to read and relax, alone or with loved ones. The design of the store conveys warmth and comfort an e-book cannot provide.
Eslite’s success is especially remarkable as the publishing industry is declining. In the last 10 years, UK bookstores have decreased by a third. Even the leading US bookstore chain Barnes & Noble has turned to e-books.
The Eslite Bookstore has also been highlighted by CNN and BBC. It’s a unique cultural corner that visitors to Taiwan won’t want to miss.