Singapore has long been a vibrant hub for book lovers, with a retail landscape that ranges from sprawling chains to focused independent stores. Whether you seek the latest bestseller, a niche academic text, or a beautifully illustrated children's book, knowing where to buy new books in Singapore can save you time, money, and a fruitless trek across the island. This guide covers the major physical and online retailers, with specific price points, locations, and product ranges to help you make an informed purchase. For a broader overview of all book acquisition options, including borrowing and second-hand sources, see The Complete Guide to Buying and Borrowing Books in Singapore.

Major Chain Bookstores

The most accessible and widely known source for new books in Singapore remains the chain bookstore. These outlets offer extensive catalogues, frequent promotions, and loyalty programmes that benefit regular buyers. The two dominant players are Times Bookstores and Popular Bookstore, each with a distinct focus and pricing strategy.

Times Bookstores

Times Bookstores, operated by the Times Publishing Group, has been a fixture in Singapore since 1978. With nine outlets island-wide as of 2025, Times positions itself as a mid-to-premium retailer, emphasising a curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and stationery. Flagship stores at Tanglin Mall (163 Tanglin Road, #B1-17/18/19) and Junction 8 (Bishan) each carry over 30,000 titles. Prices for new paperbacks typically range from S$18 to S$28, while hardcovers cost S$30 to S$50. Times runs a loyalty programme called Times Privilege, which offers members a 10% discount on regular-priced books and birthday vouchers. Seasonal sales, such as the annual Times Big Book Sale held at the Singapore Expo, can reduce prices by up to 70% on selected titles. For current stock and store hours, visit the official Times Bookstores website or call the Tanglin Mall outlet at +65 6836 4321.

Popular Bookstore

Popular Bookstore, part of the Popular Holdings group, operates over 50 outlets across Singapore, making it the most ubiquitous chain. Its catalogue leans heavily toward educational materials, textbooks, assessment books, and Chinese-language titles, though it also carries general fiction and bestsellers. Prices are generally lower than Times: mass-market paperbacks often retail between S$12 and S$20. Popular’s membership card, the POPULAR Card, costs S$10.80 annually and gives members a 10% discount on most items, plus bonus points redeemable for vouchers. The flagship store at Bras Basah Complex (231 Bain Street, #01-05/13) has a particularly large selection of stationery, art supplies, and reference books. Popular also runs the “Buy 3 Get 1 Free” promotion on selected bestsellers twice a year, usually in June and December.

Kinokuniya Singapore

Kinokuniya, the Japanese chain, operates a single superstore in Singapore: the Kinokuniya Main Store at Ngee Ann City (391A Orchard Road, #03-09/10/15). It is one of the largest bookstores in Southeast Asia, with over 350,000 titles across four floors. Kinokuniya is renowned for its English-language fiction and non-fiction selection, as well as its extensive range of manga, Japanese magazines, and art books. Prices are often close to the recommended retail price (RRP), typically S$20 to S$35 for paperbacks. Kinokuniya does not have its own loyalty programme, but holders of the Takashimaya Department Store Silver or Gold card (S$5 and S$10 annual fees respectively) enjoy a 10% discount at the Ngee Ann City outlet. The store also hosts author events and book signings, generally listed on their events page. Contact the main store at +65 6737 5021.

Independent and Specialised Bookstores

Beyond the chains, Singapore hosts a growing number of independent bookshops that cater to specific interests or community niches. While their stock is smaller, they often offer curated selections that cannot be found in big stores.

BooksActually

Located at 9 Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru, BooksActually has been a staple of the indie literary scene since 2005. The store prides itself on a hand-picked collection of literary fiction, poetry, and Singaporean and Southeast Asian works. It also publishes its own titles under the Math Paper Press imprint. Prices for new books range from S$15 to S$30. BooksActually hosts regular reading events and workshops, details of which are available on its Instagram page or by calling +65 6222 9195. The store also stocks a small range of stationery and literary gifts.

Littered with Books

Another Tiong Bahru gem, Littered with Books (20 Duxton Road) offers a cosy, two-storey space filled with new and second-hand books. For new books, the focus is on contemporary fiction, thrillers, and children's titles. Prices are competitive with mainstream stores: most new paperbacks cost S$18 to S$26. The staff are known for personalised recommendations. Contact +65 6221 2188 for enquiries. Note that the shop is closed on Mondays.

Woods in the Books

Specialising in picture books for children and adults, Woods in the Books (at 3 Yong Siak Street) is the only bookstore in Singapore exclusively dedicated to illustrated books. It stocks new titles from international publishers such as Flying Eye Books and Nobrow. Prices for hardcover picture books typically range from S$20 to S$40. The store also runs workshops on illustration and book-making. Call +65 6222 1920 for details.

Online Retailers for New Books

For readers who prefer home delivery or cannot find a title in physical stores, online retailers offer convenience and often broader selection. Singapore-based online bookshops have grown significantly, especially after the pandemic.

Kinokuniya Online Store

Kinokuniya’s website (kinokuniya.com.sg) mirrors the stock of its Ngee Ann City store, with free delivery for orders above S$40. Delivery to local addresses takes 3-5 business days. The online catalogue includes all genres, and pre-orders for upcoming releases are taken 30 days in advance. Payment can be made via credit card or PayPal. Returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery for damaged or incorrect items.

Times Bookstores Online

Times Bookstores also operates an online shop (timesbookstores.com.sg) with over 10,000 titles. Delivery charges are S$4.90 for orders under S$40, and free for orders above that. Members of Times Privilege enjoy the same discounts online as in-store. The website often runs flash sales, such as 20% off selected fiction during the Great Singapore Sale (June, July).

Popular Bookstore Online

Popular’s e-commerce platform (popular.com.sg) focuses heavily on educational materials, including textbooks, assessment books, and revision guides. It also carries general books and stationery. Delivery is free for orders above S$30; otherwise, a S$3.50 fee applies. POPULAR Card holders can use their discount online by entering their membership number at checkout.

Amazon.sg

Amazon’s Singapore marketplace (amazon.sg) has become a major source for new books, especially for English-language titles. Prices are often lower than local retail: many bestsellers are priced between S$12 and S$20. Amazon Prime members (S$2.99/month or S$29.99/year for students; S$3.99/month or S$37.99/year for adults) enjoy free unlimited delivery on eligible items, including books. The marketplace also offers international editions that may not be stocked locally. However, buyers should check that the edition is legitimate to avoid counterfeits.

BooksActually Online

BooksActually sells a selection of its new titles through its website (booksactuallyshop.com), with emphasis on Singapore literature. Shipping within Singapore costs S$5 for orders under S$50 and is free above that. International shipping is available at standard postage rates.

Specialist Book Retailers: Academic, Religious, and Language-Specific

Readers seeking specialised content, academic texts, religious books, or titles in Chinese, Malay, or Tamil, are best served by dedicated outlets.

Academic and University Bookstores

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Cooperative (Co-op) at 20 Kent Ridge Road sells academic texts, reference books, and course-mandated readings for tertiary students. Prices for textbooks range from S$30 to S$120. The outlet at NUS School of Computing (COM1) is particularly well-stocked for engineering and computer science. The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) campus bookstore (463 Clementi Road) and the Singapore Management University (SMU) Co-op (81 Victoria Street) similarly serve their student populations but are open to the public.

Religious Bookstores

For Christian books, the major retailer is SKS Books (formerly known as Singapore Bible Society Bookshop) at 4 Armenian Street. It carries Bibles, commentaries, devotionals, and Christian fiction. Prices range from S$10 for pocket Bibles to S$60 for leather-bound study editions. Contact +65 6337 3222. For Islamic books and Qur’ans, the Wardah Books outlet at 58 Bussorah Street in Kampong Glam offers a curated selection. Prices for English translations of the Qur’an start at S$15, and commentaries range from S$20 to S$50.

Chinese-Language Bookstores

Popular Bookstore is the largest retailer of Chinese-language books in Singapore, with a dedicated section in every outlet. The Bras Basah Complex flagship has the widest range, including Chinese classics, contemporary fiction from mainland China and Taiwan, and children’s books. Prices are comparable to English books: paperbacks from S$15 to S$30. The independent store Xinmin Bookstore (88 Syed Alwi Road) also offers Chinese titles, with a focus on literature and self-help.

Where to Find Discounted New Books

Readers on a budget need not wait for the annual sales. Several channels offer new books at reduced prices year-round.

Bras Basah Complex

The Bras Basah Complex (231 Bain Street) is a six-storey building housing more than a dozen bookshops, many of which sell remainders and overstocks. Shops like Basheer Graphic Books (#B1-01) and Select Books (#B1-07) offer new art, design, and architecture books at discounts of 30%, 50% off RRP. The basement level has several stalls specialising in bargain books, with prices from S$5 to S$15. Visit during the second week of each month when new shipments typically arrive.

Asian Bookshop Warehouse Sales

Asian Bookshop (formerly Southeast Asia Bookshop) at 70 Mandai Estate occasionally opens its warehouse to the public, offering last-season academic and reference titles at up to 70% off. Announcements are made via their Facebook page. Items are priced between S$5 and S$20, and cash or PayNow payment is preferred.

Book Exchanges and Subscription Services

Two newer options for acquiring new books at reduced cost are book exchange kiosks and subscription boxes. The company Booktique runs five self-service kiosks across the island, located at Tampines Hub, Jurong East, and NEX, where users can purchase brand-new, sealed books at S$9.90 each, with a rotating selection of bestsellers and children’s titles. Meanwhile, subscription services like Bookabox (starting at S$39/month) deliver a curated new book plus literary merchandise to subscribers every month. These services are best suited for readers who prefer personalised curation.

Practical Tips for Buying New Books in Singapore

To maximise your book-buying experience, consider these strategies:

  • Compare prices: Before buying, check prices on Amazon.sg, Kinokuniya Online, and Times Online. A title priced at S$25 in-store may be S$18 on Amazon.sg with free delivery for Prime members.
  • Join loyalty programmes: Times Privilege and POPULAR Card each cost between S$10 and S$11 per year but can save you 10% on every purchase. If you buy more than five books annually, membership pays for itself.
  • Attend book fairs: The Singapore Book Fair (usually in June) and the Times Big Book Sale (twice a year at Singapore Expo) offer discounts of up to 70% on new stock. Arrive early on the first day for the best picks.
  • Use library holds for reference: If you are unsure about a book, borrow it first from the National Library Board (NLB) via their app or website. If you love it, then buy a new copy. For details on borrowing, see The Complete Guide to Buying and Borrowing Books in Singapore.
  • Check edition details: When buying online, verify the ISBN, edition, and paperback/hardcover to avoid receiving a different version than expected. Amazon.sg lists edition details in the product description.

Conclusion

Singapore's book retail ecosystem is diverse and accessible, providing many avenues to purchase new books. Major chains like Times Bookstores, Popular Bookstore, and Kinokuniya offer broad selection and convenience. Independent bookshops, BooksActually, Littered with Books, Woods in the Books, provide curated experiences and community. Online retailers continue to grow in popularity, with Amazon.sg often leading on price. For specialised or discounted books, Bras Basah Complex and warehouse sales remain excellent destinations. By using loyalty programmes, attending sales, and comparing prices across platforms, readers can build a personal library without overspending. For a complete overview of all book acquisition methods in Singapore, including borrowing and second-hand options, refer to The Complete Guide to Buying and Borrowing Books in Singapore.

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