Unfortunately, this charming creative hub, tucked away in a quiet corner of Wisma Central here, has been facing financial difficulties, and is in danger of closing down completely.
Its founder, Sue Emoqwin, has launched the “Save A Bookstore Campaign”. Her goal is to sell about 350 books from their Rocky Press imprint – amounting to about RM50,000 – to clear Tokosue’s debts and keep the bookstore running.
“Less people seem to be buying books nowadays, due to the rising cost of living. Our selection is also a bit niche, which adds to our challenges,” she told FMT Lifestyle.
“Our store here has affordable rent and a good location, but there’s not enough footfall. It’s just a small team of us manning the shop, and it’s becoming very difficult for me to sustain it.”
Tokosue – a combination of the Indonesian “toko”, meaning “small shop”, and its founder’s name – was born out of Sue’s passion for books and reading.
Starting as an online business on Shopee in 2020, Tokosue’s sales initially blossomed, leading to a physical store opening two years later.
In an effort to increase its reach, the store’s publishing imprint, Rocky Press, recently printed a large quantity of titles.
Unfortunately, Sue’s partner recently left the business, leaving her to settle these debts, as well as the running of the bookstore, on her own.
Sue said she had originally planned to close Tokosue, but changed her mind after receiving messages of encouragement from friends and customers.
“The support has been wonderful. It made me want to cry. I’m grateful to everyone, especially those who posted about us on social media,” she said.
Tokosue is a haven for Malaysian titles, featuring many hard-to-find books from self-published authors and small publishers. It also sports a rich and fascinating section of zines from all over the region.
Book genres found here include art, literature, culture, music, history, and social awareness.
The venue also frequently holds writer talks and book events, and has been a popular location for the local literary community to gather and network.
The public can help Tokosue stay open by buying its books, especially the new titles under its Rocky Press imprint. These are:
- Farahin W’s “Komedi Orang Minyak”;
- Steff Fleur’s “Empat Sisi Dinding”;
- Jasad Bersiong’s “Bakso 7 Kerdil”;
- Regina Ibrahim’s “Situasi Situasi”; and
- Ben Nizari’s “Mbek: Melodi Dari Neraka”.
Alternatively, you can try its “Blind Date with A Book” programme, where you will receive a selection of mystery titles – including books from other publishers – in either English or Malay for RM100.
Sue said she appreciates every bit of help Tokosue has received, and hopes the Malaysian public will also support other local indie bookstores like hers.
“I like indie bookstores because they are nearer to the grassroots, to the people. Writing for the mainstream, you sometimes have to cater to mass appeal. But in indie bookstores, you have a place for minority voices, for voices you can’t hear elsewhere,” she said.
“I hope every city has a bookstore, with physical books. They are a wonderful place for the community to come together, to cultivate tolerance and understanding of each other,” Sue concluded.
If you wish to help Tokosue stay open, click here, contact Sue at 018-280 7306 or send an email to [email protected].
Tokosue will also be having a Raya open house and fundraising event from 12pm-8pm on April 12. All are welcome.
Tokosue
3.40, Level 2, Wisma Central,
Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.