On 26/4, artist Tran Dai Thang, founder of Ca Chep Bookstore, announced the upcoming closure of its Vo Van Tan branch in Ho Chi Minh City. This marks the end of the bookstore's physical presence in the city, following a reader appreciation program scheduled from 28/4 to 15/6. The decision comes after 13 years of operation at this specific location.
The closure reflects a broader strategic pivot to online operations, driven by significant shifts in the publishing market. Thang noted that reader behavior is rapidly moving towards digital platforms. After years of maintaining physical stores, the company recognized the necessity for a more innovative approach, dedicating all resources to its online ecosystem to engage readers more effectively.
Thang acknowledges that transitioning to online business requires learning from scratch. He actively seeks insights from younger generations on operational methods, reader engagement, and adapting to new market rhythms. His approach is experimental: "I don't aim to be like anyone or expect to follow a ready-made formula. I just think I will do my best, trying and failing to create new things," the artist shared.
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A bookshelf corner at Ca Chep Bookstore Vo Van Tan, TP HCM. Photo: Tran Dai Thang |
Ca Chep Bookstore, a subsidiary of Dai Nam Book and Calendar Co., Ltd., first opened its doors on 11/12/2013, at 211-213 Vo Van Tan, Ban Co ward, TP HCM. It quickly became a beloved cultural space. A second branch followed in 2015 at 223 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Cau Ong Lanh ward, and a third in Hanoi in 6/2017.
However, the book market has been profoundly impacted by e-commerce and evolving consumer habits, leading to the gradual closure of Ca Chep branches. Many readers expressed regret to Tran Dai Thang upon learning the news. Thang views success and failure as mere concepts, emphasizing the importance of pursuing what he loves at any given moment. He clarified that the closures are not due to financial losses but a desire to focus his passion on new, more inspiring projects.
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Artist Tran Dai Thang at an event in Hanoi, 3/2026. He is the founder and director of Dong A Culture Joint Stock Company, a leading figure in the field of art books and handicraft books domestically. Photo: Khanh Linh |
Reflecting on the bookstore chain's journey, Tran Dai Thang stated that his most enduring memory is the affection shown by readers.
"When Ca Chep in Hanoi closed, thousands of people came. At Minh Khai alone, 1,000 readers visited daily, not just to buy books but also to write down memories and take farewell photos. That is the most cherished thing," he recounted.
Phuong Linh
