Yah well, unfortunately readers are becoming few and far in between, especially when they can order online for cheaper. They need to keep people coming somehow. If they can appeal to more than just the readers, either in general or in ourselves, their doors may stay open longer.
I just recently read an article about this and it boils down to bad business. That is one of the reasons Barnes and Noble is struggling. Instead of focusing on books like some other places that are thriving like Waterstones in the UK, selling toys and games, etc. has actually hurt them. Barnes and Noble could save itself if they dial back on the merchandise and focus mostly on books.
Books have been around for a very long time. There will always be a market for them. As such bookstores should remain bookstores. Not some hybrid that alienates its original target audience.
Some also do used movies, anime’s, board games, etc. The Paper Tiger, my closest book store and one I frequented often, was strictly books, with a tiny section of like, funko pop things and other minuscule merch. Literally just like, a 5 foot section. They shut down earlier this year. ?
I think its financial need. A number of readers, while they still love books, can no longer afford hardcovers yet still stop into the store. Featuring other items besides books is a way to keep money flowing in ( just a thought)
Yup…unfortunately they have to cater to a wider public…get them in the door and hopefully they end up leaving with a book or 2.
Yes! Although I love the coffee and all the bookish things in stores. I mainly hate it when the bookstore has more other stuff than books!
Our local one is starting to sell more random junk and Magic the Gathering… They still have a lot of books, but they are “branching out” far too much.
@Allen you have coffee in your Book stores? What a great combination
Small business stores usually do still.
Remember when people decided to save a couple of dollars and buy online? ? so bookstores had to diversify to keep doors open.
Its usally more than a couple of dollars.
Last time I bought a new book, shops wanted almost twice as much as online. This was only a year ago.
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/barnes-nobles-top-20-holiday-gift-ideas-include-only-1-book-2018-12-05
I’m seeing the half priced bookstores follow suit now :/
Yah well, unfortunately readers are becoming few and far in between, especially when they can order online for cheaper. They need to keep people coming somehow. If they can appeal to more than just the readers, either in general or in ourselves, their doors may stay open longer.
I just recently read an article about this and it boils down to bad business. That is one of the reasons Barnes and Noble is struggling. Instead of focusing on books like some other places that are thriving like Waterstones in the UK, selling toys and games, etc. has actually hurt them. Barnes and Noble could save itself if they dial back on the merchandise and focus mostly on books.
Books have been around for a very long time. There will always be a market for them. As such bookstores should remain bookstores. Not some hybrid that alienates its original target audience.
Isn’t this still the case? Last time I went into one 99% was filled with books
Some also do used movies, anime’s, board games, etc. The Paper Tiger, my closest book store and one I frequented often, was strictly books, with a tiny section of like, funko pop things and other minuscule merch. Literally just like, a 5 foot section. They shut down earlier this year. ?
@Cherie oh no but that sounds so great
I feel with you!
It was my favorite place!! Had so many great books there. Makes me sad. ?
They did that?
I think its financial need. A number of readers, while they still love books, can no longer afford hardcovers yet still stop into the store. Featuring other items besides books is a way to keep money flowing in ( just a thought)