Huge retailer confirms new outlet 'opening soon' in Kilkenny City

British book retailer Waterstones are currently fitting what will be their newest outlet in MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre in Kilkenny City.

The new Waterstones outlet will be located in the former Jack & Jones unit, and signage has been erected on its windows confirming that Waterstones will be ‘opening soon’.

Kilkenny Live has reached out to Waterstones seeking an exact opening date but so far that has not been confirmed.

The bookshop sector in Kilkenny City was dealt a huge blow recently when Khans Bookshop announced it would be closing down at the end of November.

Although Waterstones is not an independent bookshop, news of its imminent arrival will likely be a welcome development for book-shoppers.

The Waterstones company began in 1982 under the aegis of its founder, Tim Waterstone, who was ‘intent on revolutionising a then somewhat staid British bookselling landscape’.

According to the company’s website: “Waterstone’s fusion of literary range, author events, iconic bookshops and gifted booksellers transformed the idea of what a bookshop could be.

“In tandem with the steady growth of strong contemporary fiction and narrative non-fiction, the company moved from strength to strength, later under the direction of CEO James Daunt successfully fending off the threat of aggressive online competition and the brief rise of eReaders.

“Now trading across the UK, Ireland and Europe in around 320 shopping locations, Waterstones continues to thrive, each year actively pursuing a programme of new bookshop openings.”