Dymocks
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (Books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, e-books) |
| Founded | 1879 |
| Founder | William Dymock |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia, formerly New Zealand and Hong Kong |
Key people | Forsyth family (management) |
| Products | Books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, e-books, related products |
| Website | dymocks |
Dymocks Booksellers is a privately held bookstore chain originating from Australia, specializing in the sale of books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, e-books, and related products. As of June 2022, it operates approximately 50 retail locations throughout Australia.
History
The inaugural Dymocks store was established in 1879 by William Dymock on Market Street in Sydney. The enterprise later relocated to more spacious quarters at 428 George Street, operating under the name Dymock's Book Arcade and eventually offering a collection of one million books. Following William Dymock's death—unmarried and without heirs—the business leadership transferred to his sister Marjory and her husband John Forsyth; the Forsyth family has managed the company ever since. In 1922, Dymocks purchased the former Royal Hotel site on George Street and completed the distinctive Art Deco Dymocks building in 1930. The company transitioned into a franchise model in 1986, enabling expansion across mainland Australia as well as into New Zealand and Singapore.
21st century
In the early 2000s, Dymocks broadened its inventory to encompass music CDs, DVDs, and related merchandise. To compete with online retailers such as Amazon, it launched an e-commerce platform in late 2006. Currently, the chain maintains around 65 Australian stores supported by a multi-channel approach that includes its website, loyalty schemes, printed catalogues, and social media engagement. Additionally, Dymocks operates Dymocks Children's Charities (DCC), which distributes books to children in pre-primary and primary schools nationwide.
As Australia's leading bookseller, Dymocks commands nearly 20% of the country's book market share.
In October 2011, the company introduced D Publishing, a self-publishing service enabling authors to produce and distribute print and digital books; this initiative ceased operations in March 2013.
In September 2023, a cybersecurity incident resulted in the exposure of personal information belonging to approximately 1.24 million Dymocks customers on the dark web.
New Zealand
Dymocks withdrew from the New Zealand market in September 2012, closing its final store there.
Hong Kong
In 1999, Dymocks collaborated with South China Morning Post (Holdings) to establish Dymocks Franchise Systems (China) with plans for expansion into Hong Kong. That same year saw the opening of their first store at the Star Ferry concourse in Central. By 2012, three stores had closed due to lease expirations. In January 2015, Dymocks announced it would shut its flagship store located in IFC Mall along with its Hong Kong office, leaving five remaining stores. These outlets subsequently operated independently under the Dymocks brand before undergoing individual rebranding.
Book of the year
Each year, staff at Dymocks nominate their preferred book released within the previous year and select one as the Dymocks Book of the Year. Since 2022, an additional award titled "Young Readers' Book of the Year" has been presented.
Winners
| Year | Author | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Template:Sortname | Honeybee |
| 2021 | Template:Sortname | Still Life |
| 2022 | Template:Sortname | Lessons in Chemistry |
| 2022: Young Readers | Template:Sortname | Runt |
| 2023 | Template:Sortname | Fourth Wing |
| 2023: Young Readers | Template:Sortname | Come Together |
| 2024 | Template:Sortname | The Ministry of Time |
Loyalty program
Dymocks offers a loyalty initiative known as Dymocks Booklover Rewards, which was originally introduced in 2001 and underwent a relaunch in 2006.
Other businesses
The company's real estate assets, including commercial properties, farms, and land, are managed by Dymocks Properties.
In 2009, Dymocks purchased an 80% interest in Healthy Habits, an Australian sandwich bar franchise, which was later divested in 2016 to Franchised Food Co.
Dymocks expanded into confectionery by acquiring Patons Macadamia, a Victorian manufacturer, in 2010. Patons products were retailed through Dymocks stores. After acquiring Gourmet Nut Company in 2015 to grow the brand, Dymocks sold Patons in 2020 to concentrate on its primary business areas.
In 2015, Dymocks Holdings took ownership of Telegram Paper Goods, established in 2008. Telegram distributes premium stationery brands across Australia and New Zealand and operates Milligram, a specialty retailer of unique stationery and fine writing tools. Telegram further broadened its portfolio in February 2023 by acquiring Addition Studio, a homeware and personal care brand.
Dymocks entered the education sector in 2018 by launching Potentia, an education and tutoring service, which was rebranded as Dymocks Tutoring in 2020.