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40 Years of Bookazine: Family Legacy, Reinvention & Resilience

February 23

26 mins

Episode Description

In this episode of Powerhouse, I visited Bookazine at Tai Kwun, Hong Kong, to chat with sisters Arti and Shonee, the inspiring leaders behind Hong Kong’s beloved family-run bookstore brand. They share how their parents’ 1970s book distribution business evolved into Bookazine, now celebrating 40 years. We talk about how they stepped up after their father’s passing, learned to balance their different strengths, and guided the company through challenges like SARS and COVID with inventive ideas—from themed promotions to a WhatsApp concierge and a revamped online store.

We also discuss how they’re adapting to eBooks, Amazon, and AI by creating richer in-store experiences, author events, and children’s spaces. As they celebrate this milestone, Arti and Shonee reflect on the future—a new Repulse Bay store, creative workshops, and dreams of a bookstore café—along with honest insights on family, passion, and finding joy through books.

00:17 From Far East Media to Bookazine

01:51 Life Before Joining the Family Business

03:11 2002 Turning Point

04:52 Splitting Roles: Big Picture vs. Daily Ops

06:38 Working as Sisters: Conflict & Collaboration

10:27 Weathering SARS, COVID & Tech Disruption

13:50 Retail Reimagined: Kids’ Corner, Events & Community

15:58 Local Pride: Supporting HK Authors & Designers

17:59 40 Years of Bookazine: Growth & Milestones

21:13 What’s Next: Experience, Café Dreams & Festive Prep

23:22 Lessons & Personal Insights

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