Australian bookseller Dymocks has bolstered operations in Western Australia for the first time in five years with the unveiling of a sleek new store in Midland Gate Shopping Centre, putting a modern spin on the nearly hundred-year-old company’s offering.

The latest Dymocks outlet will be a company owned store, and is the first new WA opening for the brand since 2013.

It is one of two company stores in the state, with the other nine stores locally owned and operated by franchisees.

The store features sleek bookshelves, a modern light-filled interior and an extensive range of both book and non-book products including designer stationery, office and lifestyle accessories.

It also contains digital display screens and signage which can be updated immediately.

About 20 per cent of the store’s floor space will be used for non-book products, with a strong emphasis on gifting, cards, wrap and stationery. High-end stationery brands include Moleskine and Lamy.

Dymocks regional business development manager Frank Pangalidis said the store’s contemporary look will be a valuable asset.

“The store looks fantastic and will become a destination zone for Midland book lovers,” Pangalidis said.

“It’s designed as a vibrant, welcoming space for customers to mingle and browse the shelves. Dymocks is constantly evolving its store design to keep pace with today’s customer.”

The latest offering demonstrates a commitment to continued expansion for the brand, who are currently looking to explore new opportunities in both company and franchised owned stores.

According to Pangalidis, the future of book selling in Australia is extremely positive and he looks forward to welcoming a new generation of customers to their store.

This article first appeared in Inside Retail, a sibling publication to Inside Franchise Business.