The major Ukrainian bookstore chain “Knigarnya E” has announced the closure of two of its branches located at the railway stations in Kyiv and Odesa. The decision to shut down these retail locations was made in October 2026 due to the current security situation, which prevents them from operating fully and stably.
Reasons for the Shutdown
Company representatives reported on official social media channels that the safety of employees and visitors remains an absolute priority. The challenging situation at the transport hubs of the capital and the southern port city forced management to take this step. The station retail outlets played a vital role in the city's cultural logistics by serving passengers waiting for their trains.
Over years of operation, the station bookstores had become a familiar part of thousands of people's daily routes. Travelers regularly purchased literature for their journeys here, chose gifts for loved ones, or passed the time during transfers. The project team expressed gratitude to all readers who shared their trips alongside books from these branches.
Chain Scale and Development
Even after closing the two station locations, “Knigarnya E” maintains a broad presence across the country. As of October 2026, the chain is represented in 20 regions of Ukraine and, following optimization, comprises 82 bookstores. The company continues to operate normally at its remaining locations, offering readers a wide assortment of literature.
Founded in 2007, the chain has come a long way in its development and made a significant contribution to shaping the modern Ukrainian book market. From the very beginning of its existence, the brand has consistently promoted Ukrainian-language publications and fostered the popularization of reading among broad segments of the population, turning its stores into cultural centers.
Significance and Future Prospects
The closure of the station outlets marks the end of a certain chapter for the country's infrastructural book spaces. Nevertheless, the chain's management emphasizes that it looks forward to new meetings with readers at other branches across Ukraine. The company's stores will continue to function as venues for book presentations, meetings with authors, and literary discussions, supporting the development of Ukrainian culture.
