It happened to the record stores, and now it's the book store's turn. When so much of our daily life is spent in the virtual world - be it online or on our cellphone, there is increasingly less room for the good old bookstore. However, while some traditional bookstores face inevitable closure, others are adapting and finding a new market in this day and age. Such as this bookstore, take a look!

Some bookstores still thrive amidst business' decline?

The Xue Yuang Bookstore closed its doors last week--after serving the Qingdao community residents for twenty-two years. In spite of it, Fang Suo Commune opened its doors, joining a list of newly-opened private bookstores that are transforming the cultural scene of the coastal city.

"The atmosphere is good. In addition, there's a massive collection of books in various genres," said a visitor.

"It's not your common bookstore. Aside from books, there are plants, flowers, and even gifts."

34-year-old Li Yan works in the marketing sector. Despite her busy work life, she reads at least two books a month. After visiting the Fang Suo Commune in Chengdu, the Qingdao resident has been looking forward to the opening of the bookstore in her native city.

"I bought eight books on the 3rd of July. I like here very much, you can almost find any books here. The atmosphere is great. You can chat with friends here, or buy some souvenirs, apart from the books."

The bookstore has a clear target demographic and has attracted many college students and young white collars. In a matter of just fifteen hours between June 30th and July 1st, the bookstore made more than one million yuan in sales, more than what other conventional bookstores make in half-year. On the day of our visit, seven out of ten customers bought books, while three out of ten bought drinks and souvenirs.

"Many people bought a lot of books, which was very surprising to me. Compared to our branches in other cities, the people in Qingdao definitely prefer hard copies in paper," said Mao Jihong Director of Fang Suo Commune.

As traditional bookstores close out in the wake of replanning and reconstruction of old neighborhoods, nouvelty bookstores emerge that answer not only to the thriving demands of paper-loving bookworms but also to the needs for mingling, relaxing and just having a good time.

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