Founded in 1996 by Heather Reisman, Indigo grew into Canada's leading book retailer after buying Chapters in 2001. Today Indigo combines books with a broad selection of gifts, homeware and digital offerings, operates a national loyalty program, and supports literacy through a long-running grant program. The chain has shifted store formats and hours in response to e-commerce growth and the pandemic while continuing author events and community outreach.

A Canadian bookseller grows up

Indigo opened in 1996 as a single bookstore driven by founder Heather Reisman's passion for books and music. It expanded quickly - adopting the name Indigo Books, Music and More by 1997 - and, after acquiring rival Chapters in 2001, became the dominant national chain. Indigo operates large-format stores and an active e-commerce site that sell books, magazines, gifts, toys, home decor and lifestyle products as well as digital content.

What changed since the early years

Indigo has diversified beyond shelves of books. Its stores focus on curated gift and home categories alongside bestsellers. The company runs a popular loyalty program (Plum Rewards) and invests in an improved online shopping experience. Like many retailers, Indigo adjusted store footprints and hours in response to e-commerce growth and the COVID-19 pandemic; late-night openings that were once common are now less typical.

Community and literacy work

Indigo established a national literacy initiative that directs grants and resources to elementary schools and libraries. The program has distributed millions to support classroom libraries and reading projects and remains a core part of the company's public profile.

People and related ventures

Indigo has been an important employer in Canada and has offered staff training and benefits. The company was also involved in digital reading through initiatives connected to Kobo in the late 2000s. 1

Events and in-store life

Indigo stores continue to host author appearances, themed displays and children's events, though formats and frequency vary by location. Stores aim to create comfortable browsing areas and a lifestyle-oriented shopping experience rather than only serving as point-of-sale for paper books.

What to expect now

If you visit an Indigo today you will still find a wide range of books, but you should also expect an emphasis on gifts, cards, homeware and curated seasonal merchandise. The company balances retail operations with its philanthropic commitments and digital offerings as it adapts to a changing market.
  1. Confirm the official name, founding year, and current executive leadership titles at Indigo (Heather Reisman's current role).
  2. Verify the founding year and current name/status of Indigo's national literacy program and the total recent annual grant amounts.
  3. Clarify Indigo's historical role with Kobo (founding/investment and subsequent ownership changes).
  4. Update current number of store locations and employee counts, and confirm whether late-night store hours remain common.

FAQs about Indigo Books

Is Indigo still focused on books?
Yes. Books remain central to Indigo's identity, but stores now pair books with gifts, home goods and seasonal merchandise to create a lifestyle shopping experience.
Does Indigo still support literacy programs?
Yes. Indigo runs a national literacy initiative that provides grants and support to elementary schools and reading programs, distributing millions over time to boost classroom libraries and literacy resources.
Who founded Indigo and who runs it now?
Indigo was founded by Heather Reisman. Her leadership role has evolved over time; please verify current executive titles and roles.
Can I still find author events at Indigo stores?
Yes. Many Indigo locations host author signings, readings and children's events, though event schedules vary by store and have adapted since the pandemic.
Does Indigo have a loyalty program?
Yes. Indigo operates the Plum Rewards loyalty program, which offers points and member benefits for in-store and online purchases.

News about Indigo Books

Indigo reveals its 2025 Best Books of the Year list - canoe.com [Visit Site | Read More]

Indigo's 2025 Best Books of the Year - Modern Mississauga Media [Visit Site | Read More]

Indigo Canada is giving away 10,000 free books in Ontario and Canada this week, including this Margaret Atwood novel - Inside Halton [Visit Site | Read More]

Silent Protest at Burlington Centre Urges Indigo Boycott - Penticton Herald [Visit Site | Read More]

IndiGo, Qatar Airways announce special offer on airfares ahead of Diwali; How to book 'discounted' flight tickets - livemint.com [Visit Site | Read More]

Charges dropped for 3 more people accused in Indigo bookstore vandalism: lawyer - CBC [Visit Site | Read More]

Expert calls attention to ‘disproportionate’ police response in Indigo bookstore vandalism case - Global News [Visit Site | Read More]

From indigo to the blues, the history of Black people is woven in a single color - The Christian Science Monitor [Visit Site | Read More]