Waterstone's mission is to be the leading bookseller on the high street and online providing its customers with the widest choice, great value and expert advice from a team passionate about bookselling. Waterstone's aim is to interest and excite its customers and continually inspire people to read and engage in books.
The inaugural Waterstone's store opened at Old Brompton Road, London, in 1982 and currently trades over 300 stores, on high streets and in shopping centres, and through numerous university campuses in the UK, Republic of Ireland and continental Europe (specialist, English-language bookshops in Brussels and Amsterdam).
In 1998, upon the formation of HMV Group, Waterstone’s merged with the national bookselling chain Dillons, followed 10 years later by a merger with Ottakar’s.
Our reputation is built upon the knowledge and enthusiasm of our 4,500 booksellers. Our booksellers love great books and are dedicated to discovering the books that our customers want, and those they didn’t know they wanted.