BOOKSALE, the largest bargain bookstore chain in the country, marks its 40th anniversary this year, with activities lined up after setbacks caused by economic strains linked to the Middle East conflict.
The book retailer founded by former Varsitarian news writer Emmanuel Sison has satisfied Filipinos’ appetite for reading through second-hand books.
“We were planning to open a new branch to celebrate [the 40th year]. We wanted to return to our roots in Ermita because that’s where the first Booksale or Visual Mix office was,” said Joshua Emmanuel Sison, president of Visual Mix Inc., which manages all Booksale branches nationwide.
He confirmed the expansion plans remain on track despite global pressures. These pressures have increased the costs of book importation and shipping.
To remain “budget-friendly bookstore,” Booksale relies on frequent mall partnership sales, three-day sales, and increased online promotions. These strategies help move inventory and generate quicker returns.
“We’re still trying to absorb all of that so we can keep our pricing down and make reading affordable for everyone. We know [books are] not essential products,” Sison said. “But for bookworms, they are food.”
Western countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States continue to supply Booksale’s inventory. Booksale is mapping out a more diversified sourcing strategy.
Sison added discussions were underway with suppliers in India and Singapore as the bargain bookstore seeks to streamline logistics and improve supply chain efficiency.
“We’re trying to talk to more Asian countries so it gets here quicker and cheaper,” he said.
Preserving the legacy of leadership and readership
Sison took over Booksale from his father in 2024. He aims to build on his father’s philosophy while adapting to a more collaborative, modern workplace culture.
He described his father’s management style as strict, direct, and results-oriented. This approach helped establish and stabilize the business in its early years.
The company’s longevity cemented its place as a cultural staple among a “cult-like” base of patrons now spanning three generations of buyers, as Sison described.
“It’s not just a business anymore. It’s been part of the Filipino’s lives for 40 years already,” he added.
Beyond retail, Booksale continues to support education through the Emmanuel S. Sison Charities, a scholarship foundation funded partly by company profits.
Sison noted that the program, which began in the 1980s and was later revived, has supported some 80 indigent scholars to date.
“That will continue for the next five to six years because funding is already in place,” he said.
Sison also clarified to the Varsitarian that Booksale won’t shut down, putting to rest speculation that had spread on social media in recent years.
Booksale has 34 branches operating nationwide, according to a post in its official Facebook page dated March 4.
The secondhand bookstore chain had 41 branches in operation in November 2024. With reports from Charlize Ann D. Lavastida
