National School Supplies Store? Netizens Bothered by the Changing Face of National Book Store
Sep 13, 2023 • Edgardo Toledo
Boasting over 200 branches, the National Book Store (NBS) is considered the country’s largest bookstore chain. However, many Pinoys are noticing that some NBS branches are struggling to keep up with the evolving demands of modern readers. And that’s why Twitter users are now feeling NBS has become just like any other school and office supplies store.
The Curious Case of National Book Store
National Book Store is now National School Supplies Store. Apparently.
Sad. 📚
— The Professional Heckler™️ (@hecklerforever8) September 10, 2023
Once upon a time, the National Book Store (NBS) was the go-to store for Filipinos to get the freshest book arrivals. But it looks like that’s no longer the case, according to X (formerly Twitter) user @hecklerforever8.
“National Book Store is now National School Supplies Store. Apparently.” The tweet reads.
Although NBS has expanded its retail presence across its official website and shopping platforms, it’s no secret that the bookstore chain was one of the businesses largely affected during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last July, the bookstore chain was granted a PHP300M loan from Anglo Philippine Holdings to “provide short-term funding for the operations of NBS.”
So, are NBS’ glory days over?
Most Pinoys practically grew up with NBS since it’s where people usually flock to buy books, art materials, and school supplies. Netizens said purchasing power is a factor as to why NBS isn’t what it used to be. And now, with cheaper (but often illegal) alternatives, people are less likely to buy actual books.
purchasing power is also a factor. marami talaga gusto ng physical copy of books kaso they’re too expensive for our wages. most of us would rather go for ebooks or manga where one could get for free/cheap 👍
— mow (@m0wskie) September 10, 2023
Some pointed out it could be due to NBS’ marketing since other well-known bookstores are still thriving.
But Fullybooked do not get this treatment. It can be about marketing, apparently.
— idk (@beygent92789) September 10, 2023
I know. Ang lungkot na halos wala ng books sa NBS. 😞😞😞
— Bubbles (@BubblesMagpayo) September 10, 2023
Conversely, others pointed out that some NBS branches still carry good books.
Some branches still carry good books, like Cubao and SM North
— Mel (@peanutbuttercup) September 10, 2023
Or maybe all NBS needs is one good rebranding strategy
gawin na lang nilang library ang isang portion ng store nila lalo na ung mga malalaking branch tapos gawing cafe…
— krephelnavales (@krephelnavales) September 10, 2023
Is there still hope for NBS? Some netizens think the store just needs a rebrand to stay relevant in today’s ever-evolving market. For instance, converting portions of NBS stores into libraries or cafes.
Whether NBS can embark on its “NBS version 2.0” and rekindle its appeal to the modern reader remains to be seen. But NBS is clearly a beloved brand, so we believe it still has the potential to write a new chapter and continue to serve the diverse reading needs of the Filipino community for years to come.
What can you say about NBS these days?
