Bookcafe x EasyStore: Every 10 Seconds, Someone Discovers an Inspiring Read

Bookcafe closed this June’s chapter at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) with an impressive delivery of 50,000 books into the hands of Malaysians.

Launched in 1981, it is an annual book fair organised by the National Book Council of Malaysia (MBKM) – initiated to promote literacy among our nation. To this day, it remains as the biggest literary event in all of Malaysia.

Vibrant folk dancers performed on stage, renowned local writers held seminars, new titles launched, and comic artists signed for fans. Millions of eager readers flooded the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), turning KLIBF into a true celebration of Malaysia’s literary spirit. 

This year’s KLIBF closed on a high note, graced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. With nearly 2 million visitors, KLIBF has truly cemented its place among the world’s top three literary festivals. 

Bookcafe, a locally grown online bookstore, was part of this initiative as one of the many retailers joining this event, and EasyStore helped power their journey in this year's KLIBF.

It Began With a Noble Goal

Bookcafe — founded by Hairul and Arief in 2008 — is a one-stop destination for readers seeking to grow, improve, and gain knowledge through books.

Inspired by a belief in enlightening the nation through literature, they saw a limited book access beyond central Klang Valley in 2010s and aimed to bridge this gap.

said Hairul, in and interview he had done in 2008.

Although online shopping was new and faced widespread skepticism at the time, Bookcafe guided many Malaysians through their first digital book purchases. With efficient delivery and dedicated support, they quickly cultivated trust and a loyal following.

Then Came the Reading Decline

Fast forward to the present. It seems like no one holds a physical book in their hands these days. 

Social media is now the go-to platform for information and entertainment. The average attention span is now too short for finishing a 120-page novel.

Even if Malaysians do read, 75% of us still preferred e-books over traditional books.

For Bookcafe, a business deeply rooted in the sale of physical books, these phenomena sparked an existential question for them: how can they continue to thrive in such an environment?

“Don’t get trapped in past memories. Enjoy today, and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s challenges.” – Hairul, Bookcafe’s CEO.

They are no strangers to catching up with time. Recent days, TikTok, Instagram, and Shopee are all popular platforms people get books from. Bookcafe has leveraged on those platforms, while also participating in physical book events to stay connected with readers.

KLIBF: Every Malaysian Reader's Highly Anticipated Day

For years, Bookcafe has actively participated in KLIBF. This year, they reimagined the literary experience to inspire wider readership.

A recurring thought in their mind was: “How do we simplify the journey for our customers?”

In an era where patience and time are scarce, any friction deters people from making their purchase. And so, Bookcafe decided to make a change. 

The goal? To ensure readers bring home their next book seamlessly and joyfully.

Bookcafe x EasyStore: Delivering 50,000 Books Into The Hands Of Every Malaysian

In early April, Bookcafe reached out to EasyStore, expressing the kind of book-shopping and checkout experience they wanted their readers to enjoy.

• 20+ counters for readers to checkout
• A simple and unified system for part-timers to master quickly
• Equal access to KLIBF benefits for both online and in-person readers

When Bookcafe revealed the scale of their KLIBF activation, EasyStore stepped in — not just with tools — but with the intention to support our partner through their mission. Together, we mapped hardware, software, and operations into a single heartbeat.

We were one team with Bookcafe. For weeks, we ran simulations — preparing for every challenge and scenario possible.

To power 20+ counters effortlessly, EasyStore partnered with SUNMI for portable POS systems — enabling payments anywhere and instant customer registration. This allows Bookcafe to build a lasting relationship with their readers afterwards.

For part-timers new to the system, we implemented user-specific access. The result? Consistency across every counter — so any staff member could help readers with confidence.

For Bookcafe’s online community to also be part of the country’s largest literary event, dedicated inventories were reserved for each sales channels. That way, whether they shopped online or in-person — access to their next new read is guaranteed.

Behind the scenes, our team implemented secure systems to against traffic surges. On-site throughout the event — EasyStore observed the pace, troubleshooted in real-time, and witnessed the special moments when Bookcafe and their readers cultivate a relationship through books.

And That Was How…

Bookcafe delivered 50,000 books into the hands of new readers in 10 days, with EasyStore. In this chapter, 42,000 readers discovered a new book to start, and 600 booth visitors became part of Bookcafe’s growing community. 

Beyond The Numbers

This isn’t just a story about book sales. It’s about what lingers after the booths closed — more readers to inspire, richer data to act on, and momentum to carry Bookcafe forward.

And at the heart of it?

A shared conviction: When tradition meets innovation, reading doesn’t die — it flourishes.

This is a story about two Malaysian brands — one cultural, one digital — converging to nurture modern reading habits through technology.

Where they meet, magic unfolds. A nation blossoms.

About EasyStore

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Whether you're building a brand, spreading a message, or creating change through commerce, we're here to support you with the tools and teamwork to make it happen.

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