For those who frequent bookstores in Singapore, you’re definitely in trying times, as another one is slated for shuttering. Following in the footsteps of the last Times Bookstores’ outlet closure and Books Kinokuniya’s downsizing, NBC Stationery & Gifts has recently announced their plans to relocate their iconic store in Raffles City.
As such, they’ll be ceasing operations in about a month’s time, but they’re leaving one last gift for their loyal customers in the form of a massive relocating sale. Here’s everything you need to know before swinging by one last time to fill up your cart with writing instruments and cutesy trinkets from Japan.
Like its name suggests, NBC Stationery & Gifts is a bookstore that mainly sells stationery, as well as merchandise from popular Japanese franchises such as Sanrio and Rilakkuma.
The NBC Stationery & Gifts outlet in Bugis Junction.
Image credit: Felicia Lau via Google Maps
It was originally founded as a postcard company in 1963, and in December of 1983 they began their foray into the Singapore market with a humble retail corner within the Books Kinokuniya Bookstore in Liang Court.
For many years, their Raffles City outlet has been a favourite amongst those looking to shop for quality writing instruments and imported Japanese goods. In recent times, they’ve managed to refresh their inventory to keep up with the times, bringing in trendy trinkets such as Smiski blind box figurines and adorable mofusand cat plushies.
After this outlet closes down for good, the one in Bugis junction will be the only standalone store in Singapore. They also have 2 store-in-store counters, one in Takashimaya and another in the Books Kinokuniya Main Store in Ngee Ann City. However, another store will soon take the Raffles City outlet’s place, as they’re merely relocating.
A couple of days ago, NBC Stationery & Gifts Singapore announced on their social media accounts that their Raffles City outlet will be closing for good on 4th May 2025. But not all is doom and gloom as they’re planning to relocate the store elsewhere, but we’ve not gotten word on where its new location will be.
Also, they’ll be holding a relocating sale that will see prices for select items slashed by up to 80%. According to those who’ve paid a visit to the store during the sale, some items that they’ve noted to be on sale include Sumikko Gurashi keychain plushies going for $5 (U.P $18), as well as fan favourite Sanrio merch like pouches and stationery costing only $2.70.
Alas, another beloved bookstore bites the dust, but at least this one’s coming back in the near future, albeit in a different location. Here’s to hoping it returns bigger and better, and preferably also in a convenient, centrally located spot.
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Cover image adapted from: Xin Hao via Google Maps
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