Timeless memories
The challenges Eslite currently faces include not only new-style bookstores such as Tsutaya, but also Internet booksellers. Although Eslite has its own online bookstore, sales are relatively weak. Chen Ying-ching laughs as he says, “Perhaps the brick-and-mortar stores are too successful.”
Eslite has not only invested a great deal of thought into product display, but has also sponsored an extensive program of in-store activities. Since its launch in 1997, the “Eslite Forum” has invited experts to give lectures on everything from fine arts, architecture, and film to history, literature, and trends. From several hundred lectures in its first year to several thousands annually now, the forum has been a driving force behind the quest for knowledge in society.
Author Yang Zhao, a regular forum speaker, recalls that although the more “bizarre” courses he has offered—such as ones on the poetry of Baudelaire and Derrida’s concept of deconstruction—have no practical value and require out-of-class reading, there are always more than 100 students in attendance. Always packed, his courses have been offered continually without interruption. “At Eslite, the impossible becomes possible.” Yang feels that Eslite has made knowledge appealing.
Besides the forum, Eslite has also held a variety of activities including exhibitions and performances, allowing book lovers to wander around “between reading and non-reading.” Moreover, the Dunnan branch has been the site of many “firsts” for events. In 1995, before the Dunnan store relocated, they held an 18-hour non-stop concert featuring a succession of bands. A series of outdoor concerts held in 1996, which included classical, rock, electronic, and folk music, was staged over 13 consecutive weekend nights.
For over 20 years, book lovers have accumulated countless memories of their interactions with the Eslite’s Dunnan branch. When news broke that the branch would close on May 31 of 2020, people were dumbfounded. Reluctant to see the store go, they’ve come from all around to say their goodbyes.
Although Eslite has announced that it will continue its 24-hour bookstore operations, memories are all that will remain of the Dunnan branch. A reporter once asked Robert Wu if he’d ever close Eslite’s flagship outlet. Wu answered in a casual tone, saying that the important thing was what Dunnan had given its customers—if it left them with good memories and impressions, that would be enough.
The Dunnan branch has hosted all kinds of activities: outdoor concerts, auctions of old books, and the ongoing countdown to the store’s closure.
The Dunnan branch has hosted all kinds of activities: outdoor concerts, auctions of old books, and the ongoing countdown to the store’s closure.
The Dunnan branch has hosted all kinds of activities: outdoor concerts, auctions of old books, and the ongoing countdown to the store’s closure.
The Dunnan branch of Eslite Bookstore will close on May 31, 2020, but memories of the store will live on in the minds of book lovers long into the future. (photo by Kent Chuang)