Penguin Random House India launches Penguin Classics store

This year-long initiative aims to bring the widest and most sought-after range of international classics under one bookstore’s roof. This initiative will provide readers with a literary experience that allows them to explore unexplored writers and discover from cover to cover the writings that are as relevant today as they were when they got published.

In Delhi, Penguin has partnered with five stores of Bahrisons, a legacy bookstore chain. In Mumbai, Penguin has joined hands with Kitab Khana, another legacy bookstore that is renowned for its location in a heritage building. In Bangalore, Penguin is collaborating with Blossoms, a beloved independent bookstore that has been a hub for book lovers for decades. In Kolkata, the partnership will be led by Starmark, one of the pioneers of large-format book retail in Kolkata. 

In addition to becoming home to our most loved and recognised classics collections, the Penguin Classics store at each of these bookstores will offer merchandise and a curated selection of recommendations under various genres, including romance, queer literature, mystery, thriller, and sci-fi. These handpicked classics will attract existing and potential readers. 

Booklover or not, Penguin Classics are considered a keeper for life for their life-altering reading experiences and their beautiful covers and special editions. They often serve as a gateway for the uninitiated to embark on their journey into the world of timeless literature. For the more seasoned readers, there is an exciting range of collected writings like the Penguin Book of Feminist Writing, The Penguin Book of Migration Literature, and The Penguin Book of Mermaids.

“Taking a cue from the success of our last two editions of the Penguin Classics Festival, we are launching the Penguin Classics Stores at select bookstores across the country. Classics are not just a genre; they are timeless and a perennial favourite. Over the years, these books have only grown in popularity and demand, and it is an honour and privilege, as the home to almost all the classics, that we, along with our trusted retail partners, can create a haven for book enthusiasts to indulge in the unexplored and exceptional world of literary masterpieces,” Nandan Jha, executive vice-president, sales and product and business development at Penguin Random House India, said.

As the year progresses, Penguin, in collaboration with these bookstores, plans to introduce a student volunteer programme to create Penguin Classics Store ambassadors. These passionate ambassadors will assist readers in discovering unexplored and rare literary gems, providing personalised recommendations, and fostering a sense of community within the store.

“From The Epic of Gilgamesh to the birth of Modernism, covering the greatest works of fiction, poetry, drama, history, and philosophy, Penguin Classics has been running since 1946 and encompasses over 500 authors, 1,250 books, and 4,000 years of world literature. Navigating this breadth can be a challenge for readers, so we are delighted to be partnering with some of the best bookshops in India on our Penguin Classics Store, to create dedicated spaces where readers can rediscover familiar stories as well as make new discoveries from across the list,” Sam Voulters, brand director of Penguin Classics, said.