Unlike most formats of specialized retail, bookstores still offer something that cannot be measured solely in sales. They offer an experience: the smell of paper, a space designed to make visitors linger, and a sense of belonging to a community of readers. 

The German bookstore chain Thalia, with more than 340 stores, is the perfect place to experience this first-hand. Our Retail Safari took us to Thalia’s new flagship store, located in the heart of Hamburg’s HafenCity district, on the site of the former port. Within the Westfield shopping complex, right next to the Elbe River with views of the historic harbor, the bookstore carries a unique signature. 

Inspired by the Harbor and Hanseatic Tradition

The space is designed for both locals and tourists, offering a large selection of international titles in English, as well as guides, maps, and a curated gift zone. From the entrance, the store’s distinct look & feel stands out - even compared to other Thalia bookstores. 

The design draws inspiration from Hanseatic architecture, shaped by the Hanseatic League in port cities along the Baltic Sea, a defining architectural trait of Hamburg. 

Materials such as red brick, container-style metal panels, ship decking, and wooden elements reminiscent of tea and coffee crates dominate the interior, bringing the spirit of the port and docks into the bookstore. A striking feature is the red brick ceiling treatment that extends across open installations - enhanced by track lighting on pendant fixtures, a special request fulfilled by the ITAB Lighting team in Hamburg. 

The Bookstore as an Experience – A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Thalia has successfully blended tradition with the latest retail trends and technologies: Scan&Go, e-book stations, pick-up points, and self-checkout kiosks, creating a unique retail experience within a warm and inviting atmosphere. One of the highlights we noted is a full-size walk-in container in the Teens & YA fiction section, complete with a rooftop reading area - a perfect response to the needs of younger shoppers. 

Centrally placed escalators and an elevator ensure easy access to the upper floor, making the store fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Upstairs, we enjoyed a café with seating along the glass façade, offering breathtaking views of the Elbe and passing ships. This level also features a dedicated reading lounge and an imaginative Kids’ Zone, complete with a giant octopus-shaped slide - a playful, colorful space that both contrasts with and complements the bookstore’s base palette, tying the entire store into a cohesive whole. 

After completing our tour of Thalia’s Westfield flagship, one thing is clear: a bookstore visit can be much more than a transaction – it can be an experience that stays with you.