Munro's Books

Incredible book store with a nice selection of collectible books. Munro’s Books has been a destination for book lovers for more than 60 years. With our heritage building and striking artwork, we are often included in lists of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Munro's Books now occupies a landmark location in the heart of Victoria's Old Town, but its origins are much more modest. In 1963, Jim Munro and his first wife Alice set up shop in a long, narrow space on Yates Street, near Victoria's movie theatres. Bookstores were few and far between in Victoria; Jim's main competition in those days came from the book sections at the local department stores. But the location was convenient for younger, movie-going customers, and the staff's interest in new trends in writing and other art forms built a loyal clientele. The store relocated to larger premises on Fort Street in 1979 and then to its current location in 1984. Jim Munro announced his plans to retire from the business in September 2014, and he decided to turn over ownership of the store to four long-term staff members.. He wanted the store to continue to serve the many passionate readers—both locals and visitors from around the world—who visit Munro’s every year.

This bookstore has great potential but currently faces some challenges that could enhance the experience for readers, publishers, and the books themselves. For instance, improving the lighting would significantly help customers see the covers and appreciate the book selection. Additionally, creating comfortable seating areas for browsing would encourage visitors to spend more time exploring. The shop windows and entrance could be better utilized to promote books and attract more visitors, rather than focusing solely on employee convenience. Books are crafted with care and attention to detail, and it’s essential that their covers and authors' names are visible and celebrated. With some thoughtful adjustments, the store could truly reflect the magic of the book creation process. While I understand that implementing innovative ideas might be a challenge for every management team, there is valuable space—such as the second level along the perimeter walls—that could be effectively used to enhance the customer experience. Right now, it feels as though the focus is more on administrative convenience than on transforming the space into a welcoming environment for customers. In summary, if we view the store as a vital meeting place for authors, publishers, and readers, there’s an opportunity to turn it into a more positive and engaging space for all. The limited operating hours can be a barrier for many readers, making it essential to find ways to extend accessibility. On a positive note, I found the idea of employee reviews to be a great touch. It would also be beneficial to learn more about the team behind the counter, as that connection could further enrich the customer experience.

Such a lovely bookstore, not just for the wide selection of books, but also for the cozy interior and great atmosphere. The kids’ corner is really well set up, and they sell lots of cute little goods, so it’s fun just to walk around and browse. Definitely a spot worth stopping by!

What a gem this is. My wife and I, on vacation in Victoria popped into Munro's to get reading material for our travels home. The store interior is stunning, a single cavernous room with stain glass windows along the upper back wall. A veritable book cathedral. We were taking in the grandeur of the place when we hear soft strains of live music. We turn and look up to a wide ledge above the front entryway to see a violinist and a cellist begin playing Christmas music beside a decorated tree. Talk about first impressions. Oh and they had books, lots of them and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We walked out with more books than we could possibly read on our way home.