Thalia has opened its new flagship store in the heart of Cologne, in the bustling Neumarkt area - and is setting impressive accents with its innovative store design. Within 3,000 square meters, spread over three floors, visitors can expect not only a wide range of books, but also an environment that invites them to linger, discover and experience.
A store design that celebrates Cologne
You can feel the special atmosphere as soon as you enter the store: the first floor is reminiscent of a market square - perhaps a homage to the historic Neumarkt or “New Market”. The imposing wall of shelves on the right-hand side, which is modeled on the famous Hohenzollern Bridge, is particularly eye-catching.
However, the absolute highlight of the new bookshop hovers above the heads of visitors: Five yellow gondolas, which resemble the cabins of the Cologne cable car, hang in the middle of the stairwell. Two of them - one on the first and one on the second floor - are even accessible. Customers can take a seat here, browse through books and escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment.
Read, linger, enjoy
The store deliberately focuses on quality of stay. In addition to the gondolas, numerous seating options invite you to linger: large tables with chairs, comfortable armchairs or hanging chairs on the second floor, which offer a panoramic view of Neumarkt. There is also a café on this floor, which provides a place to relax or work - complemented with coffee specialties and snacks.
A paradise for little readers
The store also has a surprise in store for children: The colorful children's area in warm yellow-orange offers not only books but also play opportunities. There are circular niches to climb into on the shelves and a large slide that leads from the second to the second floor - a real attraction for young visitors.
Modern technology for a new shopping experience
In addition to the extraordinary design, Thalia also relies on modern technology. One highlight is the Social Media Cube on the second floor - a glass box that influencers and content creators can rent for recordings or live streams. The outer surfaces of the cube also serve as a digital advertising space for readings and events.
Self-service checkouts on all three floors and a modern checkout landscape on the first floor with large screens also make shopping easy. A practical addition: a pick-up station for products ordered online is located on the outer façade of the store - a service that seamlessly combines stationary and digital retail.
A store that combines experience and retail
With its new store design, Thalia in Cologne has created more than just a traditional bookstore. The store combines local identity, modern shopping and inviting lounge areas to create a holistic concept. Whether it's a relaxed coffee, creative content or a reading adventure in floating gondolas - this flagship store makes buying books a real experience.
