Crossword projects Rs 400-crore in revenue for FY25
With 120 stores across 40 cities, the brand has seen significant financial growth, reporting a current revenue of Rs 275-crore, marking a substantial increase over the past year
19 Mar 2025 | 290 Views | By PrintWeek Team
For over three decades, Crossword Bookstores, India's largest and most recognised bookstore chain, has been at the heart of India’s reading culture, creating spaces where book lovers can browse, discover, and connect. The beloved brand continues its strong growth trajectory with a strategic expansion plan across key cities.
With 120 stores across 40 cities, the brand has seen significant financial growth, reporting a current revenue of Rs 275-crore, marking a substantial increase over the past year. Looking ahead, Crossword projects Rs 400-crore in revenue for the next financial year, driven by a more than 30% growth rate, as it expands its presence across metros and tier 2 cities.
As the world of books continues to evolve, Crossword is embarking on an exciting new chapter — one that strengthens its presence across India while opening doors to fresh possibilities beyond. The demand for curated bookstore experiences remains stronger than ever, and Crossword is responding with strategic expansion in key cities. As part of this aggressive growth strategy, Crossword will increase its footprint to over 150 stores by the end of 2025.
With a commitment to fostering this enthusiasm, Crossword has launched new stores in Jamshedpur this month, with Delhi, Chennai, Siliguri and Hyderabad next in line.
More than just a bookstore, Crossword has been a cultural hub — bringing together readers, authors, and literary communities. Over the years, it has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated authors, including Yuval Noah Harari, Ruskin Bond, David Walliams, Amish Tripathi, Twinkle Khanna Sudha Murty, Devdutt Pattanaik, and Durjoy Datta, among many others.
From author interactions and book launches to reviving the prestigious Crossword Book Awards last year, it continues to champion literature and storytelling. The response from tier 2 and tier 3 cities has been extraordinary, reaffirming that the love for books runs deep across India. Even in the digital age, Crossword thrives by offering something irreplaceable—the joy of discovering books in an immersive, community-driven space.
"Crossword is steadily expanding across India, with a strong emphasis on strategic growth, innovation, and creating community-driven experiences that place books at the heart of India’s cultural fabric. Our vision is to open 300 stores over the next five years, making Crossword an accessible destination for everyone, anywhere in the country," said Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores.
As the brand grows, new horizons are emerging. While focused on strengthening its footprint in India, Crossword is also exploring opportunities beyond national borders, setting the stage for an exciting new phase in its journey. With a rich legacy and an ambitious vision for the future, Crossword is poised to redefine the bookstore experience for a wider audience, ensuring that its passion for books reaches readers wherever they are!