Thalia, Germany’s leading book retailer, is embarking on a significant expansion across the country. The company is poised to enhance its retail presence with new flagship stores, alongside modern logistical advancements set to bolster its infrastructure in the coming years.

New Flagship Store in Hamburg

One of the notable developments includes Thalia’s new flagship store in the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier. Set to open on April 8, 2026, after a 12-month delay, this store will occupy a prime location across 1,700 square meters and span two floors. CEO Ingo Kretzschmar has indicated that the design and layout of this store will significantly differ from their existing shop formats, aiming for an innovative shopping experience.

Integration into Hamburg’s Urban Landscape

The Westfield mall forms part of Hamburg’s HafenCity, a groundbreaking urban development along the River Elbe. Encompassing over 500,000 square meters, this complex is expected to redefine the area’s living, shopping, and leisure experiences through its interconnected buildings, which will include hotels and a cruise terminal. Initial investments for this project have escalated from €1.5 billion to nearly €2.5 billion, reflecting its ambitious scale and vision.

Future Expansion in Frankfurt

Thalia is also planning a significant opening in Frankfurt during the summer of 2026, with a store size of 2,500 square meters, again spread over two levels. This location will be situated on Zeil, one of Germany’s most popular shopping streets, and will be in proximity to a competing 4,000-square meter bookshop operated by Hugendubel.

State-of-the-Art Logistics Center

To support these retail expansions, Thalia is investing in a new logistics center in the gate.ruhr industrial park, a redevelopment of a former mining area near Marl, Germany. Scheduled for completion in early 2026, this facility will cost up to €100 million and cover 56,000 square meters, creating around 1,000 jobs in the region.

Commitment to Sustainability

CEO Kretzschmar describes the logistics hub as a major milestone for Thalia, emphasizing its commitment to ecological and sustainable practices. The facility will incorporate advanced energy efficiency standards, utilizing emission-free heat pumps, green roofs, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater management systems to minimize its environmental impact.

Thalia’s Current Presence

Currently, Thalia operates around 400 stores in Germany and Austria, alongside 60 stores in Switzerland through collaboration with Orell Füssli. Additionally, the company has expanded its network by partnering with independent booksellers through a “Partnermodell,” allowing over 500 shops across these regions to benefit from shared logistics and resources.