Mondadori Store, the largest network of bookstores in Italy, opens for the public at Merlata Bloom Milan. This new Lifestyle Center at the heart of the largest urban transformation project in Italy, in the north-west district of Milan, provides the public with an innovative space completely dedicated to culture and entertainment.
The directly operated Mondadori Bookstore is part of a wider project to redevelop the entire surrounding urban area through the construction of an ecosystem based on the highest standards of modern urbanism, where technology, entertainment, culture, daily life, and commerce coexist in perfect harmony with respect for sustainability and biodiversity.
“It is with pride and satisfaction that we inaugurate a new Mondadori Store within the Urban District of Milan. This opening is part of our strategy to continuously renew and develop our network, which has more than 500 stores, both directly operated and franchised, distributed throughout Italy,” says Carmine Perna, the CEO of Mondadori Retail.
Today, the Mondadori Store network serves more than 20 million customers every year, both in directly operated and franchised stores and on Mondadoristore.it
“In 2023, we also consider it a priority to invest in the development of physical bookstores, enriching our offerings while looking towards innovation, and optimizing our digital and cultural services. Innovation has been fundamental in our transformation and development, with effects on our people, organization, format, and technology. Mondadori Retail has not only achieved the expansion goals it has set for itself, but has also been able to respond in an increasingly timely manner to the needs of local communities by promoting and spreading culture in all its forms,” Perna says.
The continuous development and renovation of existing bookstores, the enrichment of services and offerings, and a focus on books have enabled the Mondadori Store bookstore network to strengthen its role in the market and record a 5.9% growth in revenues as of 30 September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. In addition, continuous innovation in the format and optimization of assortments has enabled the network to increasingly approach the needs and reading habits of new generations by rethinking new areas dedicated to comics, manga, fantasy, and romance.
All Mondadori Bookstores are also confirmed as sociocultural centres due to the numerous events organized by the bookstores: presentations, book signings, and initiatives for schools such as Alunni in libreria (Pupils in bookstores), which aims to familiarize students with local bookstores, and Scrittori in classe (Writers in the Classroom), aimed at introducing young people to the literary world of reading and writing.
Mondadori Retail also focuses on bookseller teams, with specific professional development initiatives designed to foster and enhance the relationship with readers through digital tools, including social media.
Finally, there is no shortage of promotional initiatives designed for customers, such as one that is currently underway: the Manga Tote Bag is free until 26 November with the purchase of 3 manga books, either on the website or at participating bookstores.
The 240-square-metre bookstore at Merlata Bloom Milan shopping centre offers more than 10,000 titles, from best sellers to classics, including fiction, non-fiction, and other various genres. And for young readers, there is the We are Junior format, which includes educational games and illustrated books to stimulate children’s imagination with the most curious stories, as well as the innovative department Just Comics, dedicated to manga and comics. Other features of the store include a stationery area, which also includes gadgets, toys, gift boxes, gift cards and the Kobo e-reader.
The Mondadori Bookstore also serves online readers: customers can stay up to date on all the initiatives through its Facebook and Instagram pages. They can also contact the bookstore through Mondadoristore.it digital services to check if a book is available, order it, and pick it up in store, choosing from a catalogue of over a million titles.
The new Mondadori Bookstore follows the renewal and development plan of Mondadori Store, the largest bookstore network in Italy, with more than 500 stores in cities and smaller towns. A cultural network active throughout the country, online with the e-commerce site Mondadoristore.it and book club, which, in addition to books — the core of the offering — provides entertainment, events, and multichannel services, reaching more than 20 million customers every year.
Merlata Bloom Milan is the Lifestyle Center developed by Merlata Mall S.p.A. at the heart of the largest urban transformation project in Italy, in the north-west district of Milan. A commercial anchor and plaza connecting the Uptown residential district and the MIND Innovation District, it holds 70,000 square metres of new opportunities, including new brands and experimental concept stores, including 210 retail spaces with 43 innovative F&B concepts, with new office hub and a state-of-the-art multiplex cinema. Harmony with the surrounding urban park is guaranteed by the public plaza, sky Garden, and cycling path, along with sustainability-conscious architectural, technical, and systems design solutions that provide an opportunity to experience green areas, even in the city.
MONDADORI BOOKSTORE
Merlata Bloom Milan Shopping Centre
Address: Via Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler, 20156 Milan (MI) Opening hours: Mon–Sun 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 02.47720000
Email address: libreria.merlatabloom@mondadori.it
FB – IG @mondadorimerlatabloom