NBS lights up, revs up for early Christmas shopping
MANILA, Philippines - National Book Store just got a whole lot brighter.
Almost like a designer lifestyle store, the newly refurbished and relaunched National Book Store at SM North Edsa may be the most well-lit, carefully conceived NBS branch yet. Created by the Paris-based Malherbe firm (the same that designed The SM Beauty Store), it’s got a clean and stimulating vibe — just the right spot for a sextet of online influencers to hold a pre-Christmas shopping spree last Nov. 7.
That’s really why we were there, but the store itself — some 2,000 sqm of high-tech track lighting — is a visual treat. Like Uniqlo or Ikea, the space feels modern and full of life. “The concept is like going into a lifestyle store, not your typical book store,” says Pher Mendoza, NBS brand manager.
National Book Store purchasing director Xandra Ramos-Padilla and Town and Country editor Yvette Fernandez also joined in the fun, hosting a 30-minute shopping binge in which media personalities and bloggers Patty Laurel, Kelly Misa, Jackie Go, Frances Sales, Camille Co and Chin Chin Obcena got a glimpse of early Christmas gift choices at National Book Store — and loaded the loot into personal red shopping carts.
The last one to the finish line — er, the cashiers line — was the winner.
Easy to get sidetracked when you’re perusing these shelves. The stuff in NBS these days is like an art designer’s wet dream. Imported brands like Caran D’Ache (the Pablo colored pencils are brilliant), Chameleon Blend Pens (prized by art directors), Pan Pastel and Romeo fountain pens help you find inspiration — pair them with journals designed by Kate Spade and Leuchtturm, or mix and match with unique writing instruments from Kaweco, Online Germany and Blackwing, or decorative materials from Itoya.
Other gift ideas:
• For the homemaker: Kolo photo albums and cookbooks make terrific Christmas presents for your mother, grandmother or wife.
• For the office: Brands like Color Chart, Contrail and Helvetica make ideal gifts for friends and family members in need of practical office items.
• For the voracious reader: NBS reveals a lineup of highly-awaited children’s books and novels this Christmas season, whether it’s J.K. Rowling or dystopian fiction, reference or self-help, memoir or how-to books.
• For the kids: Fun and colorful items from Zipit, Crocodile Creek and Kids Made Modern will light up the young ones’ faces this coming Christmas. Up the ante by wrapping their gifts with decorations from MeriMeri.
• For the stylish: Colorful Escaine bags and accessories, sharp-designed Newport photo albums and cute message bags and tumblers by Bando are all on display under HD lighting that makes you want to shop, shop, shop.
It’s a new look for NBS, under the design brilliance of Malherbe. Now, each branch will have a more modern and contemporary motif, while still being spacious, neat and organized.
Still, if you’re still stumped for gift ideas, National has you covered: it will soon launch its “Gift Generator” app to help you with Christmas gift suggestions for your loved ones. Just answer a few questions based on your interests and the app generates the best suggestions for you. And — to make shopping even more convenient — National Book Store even has its own delivery service. Shoppers can call 8888-627 for hassle-free service. All these add to your Christmas shopping convenience — but don’t miss out on visiting this new store.
Designed by French firm Malherbe, the newly refurbished and relaunched National Book Store at SM North Edsa is like visiting an ultra-modern lifestyle store. Photos by WALTER BOLLOZOS
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Find out all about National Book Store’s Christmas offers at www.nationalbookstore.com.
