Exclusive Books
If it's beautifully bound classic books you are looking for, then head out to your nearest Exclusive Books. Their stores offer both Classic titles and Neo-Classic novels from the world's favourite authors. From Edgar Allan Poe, to the Brontës, Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath and Kurt Vonnegut. You can find almost any genre of classic here too. So, whether you are a horror fanatic, romance lover or sci-fi fundi, there should be a classic for you. This is the perfect place to get lost in a world of words and poetry.
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Kalahari Books
Kalahari Books in Orange Grove specialise in out of print fiction and non-fiction titles. This Victorian-style library-cum-book club offers avid readers the opportunity to pick up long-lost novels, plays and collectibles. Their main passion is theatre, poetry and classic literature, as well as bringing you titles by forgotten popular authors, including the likes of George Bernard Shaw. If you are looking for something really special to gift a book loving friend or family member, then Kalahari Books should be your first stop.
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Estoril Books
Estroil Books has three branches located in Johannesburg. Our favourite is the newly relaunched store at Fourways Mall. The most extensive and well-organised of the branches, this is a book lover's paradise. Their classic books section is wide ranging, stocking not just the most popular novels by famous authors, but entire collections of their work and a few obscure titles. Estoril Books is also relatively one of the most affordable mainstream retailers for classic novels. They often host half-off sales too, so be sure to pop by on your next trip to Fourways Mall.
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Bookdealers
Bookdealers have been gifting readers with collectible editions for over 30 years. With five stores around the city, they are easily accessible. Plus, their staff are always willing to lend their knowledge in the search for that perfect classic. Bookdealers also stocks a couple of rare inscribed copies of non-fiction and fiction titles, especially by South African authors. This is the book store to visit for students too, as you can find set works at bargain prices, covering a range of subjects including, poetry, drama, English literature, psychology and history. So, what are you waiting for? Give Bookdealers a call!
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Bargain Books
Another great book store for classic books at discount prices is Bargain Books. Many a time we have scooped up three titles for the price of two at their Greenstone store. Mostly available in paperback editions, these classics may not look the prettiest, but it's the magnificence of words and story that we are after. Bargain Books is also an excellent kiddies book store to let the little ones browse around. Catering to new parents, toddlers and tweens, this is the ideal environment to start introducing classic literature to the kids (besides the library, of course).
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Skoobs Theatre of Books
Now, this is a book lover's ultimate fantasy. Two floors of literary delights - from children's classics to biographies about your favourite musicians and everything in between. Skoobs Theatre of Books lives up to its name in every respect. Find yourself a quiet corner upstairs on one of their comfy reading chairs and dive into a world very different from the one we live in. English ladies in waiting, swashbuckling pirates, talking daisies and a mischievous boy who never grows up await you. But, the adventure doesn't end there. Tuck into a slice of decadent rainbow cake at the Skoobs Cafe or sip on a glass of Merlot at the upstairs champagne bar. Be warned, you may never want to leave.
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Books Galore
Books Galore deals in second-hand fiction titles for children and adults. Get kiddies books for up to 50% off here, all the while stockpiling your shopping baskets with rare and unique used books. Books Galore also has a children's book club which is free to join for kids of any age. Not only do the little readers in the making receive discounts on their favourite bedtime story books, but they also get Crocky Club Stickers to add to their collections, free activity books, a birthday gift voucher and free delivery when you order three or more books online.
Their range of adult books include must-have South African collectibles. While most of these are non-fiction titles, they are still worth scouring over. Gardeners will be particularly enamored with helpful catalogues on South African species and how and where to plant them.
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Serial Thrillers
Serial Thrillers is relatively new to the book dealing scene, however they sure have made a good impression on us. Situated at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia, this knickknack store has a collection of true literary relics. Here you can find modern classics such as Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita, Hemmingway's The Old Man and the Sea and short stories by the ever eloquent F. Scott Fitzgerald.
But, what makes this store extra special is their collection of comic books. Indulge your inner child with first edition Archie comics, Tintin's Adventures and Asterix and Obelix. There are also the most adorable figurines to go with your new comic collection. Who wouldn't want a mini Tintin anyway? Give this start up book store some love and visit them as soon as possible.
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Do you know of any other great book stores that sell classics in Joburg? Let us know about them!
The new Fourways Mall launched on 22 August 2019, and there is now a whole lot more to do at this mega mall. The mall's lettable space has expanded to a whopping 178 000 square metres, and will grow to be 200 000 square metres with the added Leroy Merlin store. This massive space will boast 450 stores that fully cater to the 700 000 shoppers each month. Fourways Mall offers an abundance of eateries, entertainment, retail outlets and beauty offers worth checking out.
Dining Out
Toula's
This Greek eatery serves up traditional Greek and Greek-fusion mezes. Stop by to experience family style pitas, dips, veggies, chicken, seafood and meat mezedes, kotas and unique desserts. Their Goat's Cheese Spring Rolls, stuffed with olives, sun-dried tomatoes and goat's cheese, comes highly recommended. We also can't resist the Bourekia, deep-fried potato and feta parcels.
Marcel's Frozen Yogurt
Marcel's specialises in frozen yogurt, whether soft serve, tubs, cones or on a waffle. With 26 flavours to choose from, they're sure to have something for everyone. Looking to indulge? Well, then get your favourite flavour on a cone or waffle and load it with as many toppings as you dare. We would love to try Cheesecake frozen yogurt scooped onto a toasted Belgian waffle and sprinkled with cookie and fudge crumble, choc fudge sauce and nuts - yum!
Philly Cheesesteak Co.
This eatery, inspired by an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, serves American-style cuisine. The menu is simple, offering salad, chips, drinks, burgers, chicken wings and cheesesteaks. The cheesesteak consists simply of meat and cheese on bread. What makes the sandwich is the Cheesewhizz, an American cheese spread. So, grab a Premium Ribeye Cheesesteak and a Chubby Chocolate Oreo Crush milkshake for a culinary trip to Philadelphia.
Keeping Busy
Bounce Inc.
This super fun and interactive trampoline park gives children and adults hours of fun. With over 100 interconnected trampolines, giant air bags, dodgeball, wall running, slam-dunk arenas and wall climbing, you're bound to have loads of fun. If that's not enough, Bounce Inc. is also home to X-Park, a unique adventure park. You'll have to climb, run and jump your way to the finish line.
The Fun Company
Featuring Spin Zone Bumper Cars, Tenpin Bowling, arcade games, a sports bar and a 4D theatre, the Fun Company offers hours of entertainment for all ages. Spend the afternoon racing, shooting, hitting and jumping in the arcade. Or sit back and experience the tilts, twists and turns at the immersive 4D theatre.
Adventure Golf
Spend the day surrounded by lush gardens, tranquil water features and scenic views, having an adventure playing golf. Choose between the three courses, each offering nine holes. Visitors can play up to three games per ticket, either on the same day or at different times. Each game takes about 30 - 40 minutes to complete. After the game, head over to the eatery for affordable drinks and delicious pizza.
Shopping in Style
Estoril Books
Book lovers will feel right at home at this well-stocked bookstore. Browse through massive collections of fantasy, romance, crime, horror, mystery, fairy tales, classics and non-fiction literature. Discover a collection of book marks, diaries, calendars and stationery. Get lost in a world of mystery, lore and excitement for a few hours while adding to your home library.
Big Blue
For an alternative take on fashion, visit Big Blue. Here you can get unconventional ladies and men's ware as well as gift cards, children's gifts, gadgets, novelty items, stationery, puzzles and games. This store is where you'll find quirky socks, colourful dresses, crafty gifts and unique kitchen tools.
Gemini Octopus
Gemini Octopus specialises in techno gadgets, gifts, stationery, toys and novelties of all sorts. From funky speakers and anti-theft bags to kitchen gadgets and party games, they have it all. Swing by and browse through the eccentric and bizarre items to be found.
Beautifully You
Beauty Factory
This store provides amazing bath and body products, colours and fragrances. Brands they stock include Earth Bound, Beauty Factory Essentials, Freshly Made For You and Tissue Oil. Pay them a visit to get all your luxurious shower gel, hand cream, bath milk, bath salts, shower crème, body butter, candles and home decor needs in one fell swoop.
Delux Laser & Spa
Yes, the new Fourways Mall has it's very own on-site spa. They offer various aesthetic treatments such as ladies and gents laser treatments, facials, chemical peels, body contouring, manis and pedis, massages, tanning, waxing and wrinkle reduction. No matter what your needs may be, this spa will leave you feeling revitalised and gorgeous.
Mantis Institute
This institute specialises in taking care of all your skincare needs. They offer facial treatments, massages, manicures, pedicures, tinting and care treatments for men. They also have a range of products in store from anti-ageing serums and hand cream to sun protection and LUMA makeup.
To find out more about the new Fourways Mall development, click here.
Contact details: 011 465 6095 | Cnr William Nicol and Fourways Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg | [email protected] | http://www.fourwaysmall.com
Have you been to the new Fourways Mall? Let us know in the comments section below!
Estoril Books has long been based in Fourways Mall, but in recent years they have also opened up shop at Cresta Shopping Centre and Eastgate Shopping Mall. Being bibliophiles, we have checked out each one of their branches, as well as a few of their pop-up stores. And we just had to share all of this with you.
Eastgate Shopping Centre
Eastgate is a huge shopping mall. So we'll share a pro tip with you, use the food court entrance by Mozambik and Plaka for the easiest access to this bookstore. The book shop itself, is dark and quiet in comparison to the surrounding toy stores, a relief to us. Like all the branches, this store has a wide variety of fiction, paper-back, classical literature, cooking, hobby, autobiography, photo, children's, religious and travel books. They also have a variety of board games, hobby kits and book paraphernalia.
They have a good supply of basic fictional books for genres like romance and thrillers. What we come to this branch for are their travel books, cook books and their fantastic offerings in new-age books. This is a great spot to find an in-depth travel guide for countries like Greece, Italy and France (these are definitely at the top of our travel wish list). It is also the spot to pick out a book to add to your recipes, whether it be Christmas Gift Baking recipes, Craft Beer recipes or even 100 Must Try Bread recipes. Our mouths are watering. But, of course, we love their new-age books with everything from runes, tarot cards and dream interpretation guides to Greek, Celtic and Egyptian mythology.
Contact details: 011 615 3282 / Shop U19, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Eastgate mall, Kings Rd, Bedfordview / https://estorilbooks.co.za
Cresta Shopping Mall
The entrance to this branch is near Plaka. This bookstore is worth paying a visit. Their fictional books are better organised than its sister branch, allowing us to find all those sub-genres with ease. They have a good variety of science fiction and children's books. So this is a good place to stop by when doing Christmas or birthday shopping for the little ones and teenagers. They also offer a great variety of classical books such as William Shakespeare, the Brontë sisters, HP Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, Jane Austin and Charles Dickens.
What we love about this book shop, including the other two branches, are their low prices. While the books are not exactly cheap, especially when compared to a second-hand book store, they are certainly more affordable than other popular book stores.
Contact details: 011 678 8559 / Shop U220, Mezzanine Floor / Cresta Shopping Centre, Beyers Naude Drive, Cresta / https://estorilbooks.co.za
Fourways Mall
This is a personal favourite, not only among the branches, but of bookstores in general. With the renovations of Fourways Mall, we have been avoiding the centre like the plague. But we are in eager anticipation of when we can finally go back to our beloved bookstore. Why do we love it so much? The answer is quite simple. It is because of all their variety. We have often found ourselves searching far and wide for one particular book, only to find it here. Needless to say, they have a huge amount of fictional works for all genres ranging across romance, thriller, crime, horror, science fiction, young adult, teen, paranormal romance and fantasy. This is our favourite spot to look for works by old favourite authors and to find new books to get lost in.
But this store is also a great place to find all sorts of other books, as well as journals, diaries and calendars in all shapes and sizes. We also recommend stopping by on the way to The Dreamcatcher Shop (newly relocated at Cedar Square) to stock up on a pack of tarot or angel cards. Here, you'll find a gorgeous variety from classical cards to the latest Doreen Virtue collections at affordable prices.
Contact details: 011 465 6885 / Shop M10, Mezzanine Floor,Fourways Shopping Centre, Corner Ruby Close and Fourways Boulevard, Fourways / https://estorilbooks.co.za
Labyrinth Of The Soul
Previously Tallulah Earthstones, Labyrinth Of The Soul specialises in crystals of all sorts, ranging from the common quarts to the glittering sunstone. They also stock many esoteric items, such as candles, dream catchers and essential oils. But what makes this store worth a trip to the east are their many services. From Numerology Readings and Reiki to Panic Head Massages and Readings, this is your one stop shop for everything spiritual.
Contact details: 065 984 3060 | 49 4th Avenue, Northmead, Benoni | [email protected] | Facebook
The Dreamcatcher Shop
Based in Cedar Square, The Dreamcatcher Shop stocks some of the most beautiful dream catchers available in Joburg. This spot is a must-visit for all the esoteric books you can dream of. From learning how to read tarots to the interpretation of dreams, they have it all. The Dreamcatcher Shop also has a huge selection of adorable spiritual figurines and trinkets.
Contact details: 011 465 9147 | Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Cedar Road, Randburg | [email protected] | Facebook
Crystal Spirits
This small store is hidden away in Benoni. Unlike most other esoteric stores, this store does not have a vast rainbow of crystals, sticking to just the necessary. Instead, they have wide varieties of candles in every shape, size and scent. There is also a library of spiritual and self-help books and many bracelets, earrings and necklaces. They now also offer the convenience of an online store. You can also check out their Facebook page or app, available on Google Play and the App Store, to see all the workshops and sale items they have available.
Contact details: 076 080 7029 | Shop 7, The Conservatory @ Lakefield, Lakefield Road, Benoni | [email protected] | https://crystalspirits.co.za/
House Of Isis
Isis is the Egyptian Goddess of wisdom and magic, so it's appropriate that a store specialising in the occult and spirituality be named for her. Where the other stores on this list are quite spiritual, House Of Isis is more pagan. They stock pagan items like candles, crystal wands, smudge sticks and pendulums. This is also one of the few stores that offers runes; they have rune stones, rune cards, rune sets and rune books. And, they stock Ouija boards, dowsing rods and gorgeous jewellery to boot.
Contact details: 011 447 2349 | Shop C308, Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank | [email protected] | http://www.houseofisis.co.za/
Energy Emporium
Energy Emporium, located at Colony Centre, offers all things spiritual. Items on offer include crystals, candles, essential oils, spiritual gift sets, meditation beads, oracle and tarot cards and decor items. This is a great shop to visit when you're looking to cleanse your energy or to balance your chakras as they sell a range of cleansing kits, chakra sets and Buddhist meditation sets.
Contact details: 079 075 0342 | The Colony Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall | [email protected] | https://energyemporium.co.za/
Special Mention: Estoril Books
Despite all the wonderful esoteric stores in Joburg, it is still difficult to find a good tarot card deck. Enter Estoril Books. They have a huge selection of tarot and angel decks from the classic figures found in earlier centuries to the newer Doreen Virtue unicorn and goddess patterns. They also have a huge selection of books about the tarot for any self teachers of this interesting art form.
Contact details: https://estorilbooks.co.za/
Do you know of any other great esoteric stores in Joburg? Let us know in the comments section below!