Mumbai, March 12th, 2025: For over three decades, Crossword Bookstores, India’s largest and most recognized bookstore chain, has been at the heart of India’s reading culture, creating spaces where book lovers can browse, discover, and connect. The beloved brand continues its strong growth trajectory with a strategic expansion plan across key cities. With 120 stores across 40 cities, the brand has seen significant financial growth, reporting a current revenue of ₹275 crore, marking a substantial increase over the past year. Looking ahead, Crossword projects ₹400 crore in revenue for the next financial year, driven by a 30%+ growth rate, as it expands its presence across metros and Tier 2 cities.
As the world of books continues to evolve, Crossword is embarking on an exciting new chapter—one that strengthens its presence across India while opening doors to fresh possibilities beyond. The demand for curated bookstore experiences remains stronger than ever, and Crossword is responding with strategic expansion in key cities. As part of this aggressive growth strategy, Crossword will increase its footprint to over 150 stores by the end of 2025. With a commitment to fostering this enthusiasm, Crossword has launched new stores in Jamshedpur this month, with Delhi, Chennai, Siliguri and Hyderabad next in line.
More than just a bookstore, Crossword has been a cultural hub—bringing readers, authors, and literary communities together. Over the years, it has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated authors, including Yuval Noah Harari, Ruskin Bond, David Walliams, Amish Tripathi, Twinkle Khanna Sudha Murty, Devdutt Pattanaik, and Durjoy Datta, among many others. From author interactions and book launches to reviving the prestigious Crossword Book Awards last year, it continues to champion literature and storytelling. The response from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has been extraordinary, reaffirming that the love for books runs deep across India. Even in the digital age, Crossword thrives by offering something irreplaceable—the joy of discovering books in an immersive, community-driven space.
“Crossword is entering a transformative phase, where our focus is not just on growth but on redefining the bookstore experience. We are investing in strategic expansion, innovation, and community-driven experiences that keep books at the centre of India’s cultural fabric. Our goal is to reach 300 stores over the next five years, making Crossword an even more accessible and immersive destination for book lovers.” says Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores.
As the brand grows, new horizons are emerging. While focused on strengthening its footprint in India, Crossword is also exploring opportunities beyond national borders, setting the stage for an exciting new phase in its journey. With a rich legacy and an ambitious vision for the future, Crossword is poised to redefine the bookstore experience for a wider audience, ensuring that its passion for books reaches readers wherever they are!