Waterstones books

Waterstones is the United Kingdom's leading high street bookseller, known for its extensive range of physical books across all genres, as well as stationery and gift items. The books sold at Waterstones are manufactured in various locations globally, depending on the specific publishing house responsible for the title, though many are printed within the United Kingdom or across Europe.

The brand has a rich history, having been founded in 1982 by Tim Waterstone. Under its current ownership, Waterstones has maintained its position as a cultural pillar in the British retail landscape. It has expanded through various acquisitions, including the integration of other well-known bookselling brands like Foyles.

Currently, Waterstones is under the ultimate ownership of Elliott Investment Management, an American investment firm that acquired a majority stake in the company in 2018. This ownership has seen the brand continue to focus on curated, shop-specific inventories that cater to local reader preferences, moving away from a centralized retail model.