About National Book Store
History
National Book Store was founded by Socorro Cancio-Ramos, affectionately known as _Nanay Coring_, and her husband José Ramos. Before World War II, the couple operated a small stall near Escolta in Manila, selling textbooks, school supplies, and magazines. [2]
During the Japanese occupation, strict censorship forced the business to temporarily shift from selling books to everyday goods such as soap, candies, and slippers. In 1945, during the Battle of Manila, the original store was destroyed by fire. Despite this setback, the founders rebuilt the business on Rizal Avenue. A few years later, another disaster struck when a typhoon damaged the new store, but the Ramos family persevered, eventually expanding the business into a nationwide retail chain. [2]
Throughout the following decades, National Book Store steadily expanded by opening branches across Metro Manila and later throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It diversified beyond books into school supplies, office products, gift items, educational toys, and creative materials while remaining closely associated with education and learning. [3]
Products and Services
National Book Store offers a wide range of products, including:
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Local and international books
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Textbooks and educational references
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School supplies
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Office supplies
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Art materials and craft supplies
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Office furniture
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Gift items and novelty products
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Educational toys
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Printing and school essentials (selected branches)
The company also operates specialty retail concepts such as Art Bar, which focuses on premium art supplies, and Kids Ink, which specializes in children’s books, educational toys, and creative learning materials. [4]
Business Operations
National Book Store has evolved into a modern omnichannel retailer. In addition to its physical stores, it serves customers through its online store, official marketplace shops, and on-demand delivery platforms. [5]
The company reports:
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Over 262 branches nationwide
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More than 1,000 business partners
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Operations covering Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao
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Multiple store formats, including Superbranch, National Everyday, Express, and Outlet stores [5]
Brand Identity
For generations of Filipinos, National Book Store has been closely associated with the annual back-to-school season. Its familiar blue-and-yellow branding, affordable pricing, and extensive selection of school and office supplies have made it one of the country’s most recognizable retail brands. [1]
The company emphasizes accessibility, affordability, creativity, and lifelong learning. According to its official vision, National Book Store aims to become “the most trusted and most accessible partner in helping Filipino families and communities live balanced, creative lives through meaningful hands-on moments that inspire imagination, deepen connections, and nurture lifelong learning.” [4]
Mission
National Book Store’s mission is:
“We help Filipino families and communities achieve balanced living affordably by providing quality books, educational materials, creative tools, and inspiring experiences that complement their digital lives, spark imagination, and foster meaningful connections.” [4]
Corporate Social Responsibility
In 2004, the company established the National Book Store Foundation (NBSFI) to promote literacy and educational access for underprivileged children. [5]
Its initiatives include:
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Project Aral, which distributes school kits to students
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Project Aklat Book Drive, encouraging book donations nationwide
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Construction of community and school libraries
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Book donation programs for public schools
According to the foundation, its programs have donated over 5 million school kits, helped approximately 2.5 million students, built more than 500 libraries, and donated over 250,000 books. [5]
Legacy
More than eight decades after its founding, National Book Store remains one of the Philippines’ most enduring retail institutions. Its history reflects resilience through war, natural disasters, and changing consumer trends. While its product offerings have expanded beyond books, the brand continues to play an important role in supporting education, literacy, creativity, and lifelong learning for generations of Filipinos. [1]
