Eslite, the Taiwanese bookstore chain, is making its first foray into Japan, Taipei Times reported. The company, which has some 46 stores, including three in Hong Kong and one in China, is partnering with an as-yet-unnamed partner "to building a presence" in the country. It would be the company's first store in a non-Chinese speaking-market. Eslite is also considering expanding to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Earlier this year, Eslite Spectrum chairwoman Mercy Wu said that the company had received interest from potential foreign partners about opening stores overseas. Wu said that the company might license its brand for overseas expansion, provide consulting services or open stores through partnerships.