Has anybody noticed a return of smaller, independent bookstores lately? One opened in a mall I frequent and whenever I pass by it, it's full of people. I asked around, and this seems to be a trend - not a one-off.
So what happened? I understand Amazon taking away customers, but this? What are they doing we are not?
They are in it for the love of books. Not the quarterly dividends.
AND they’re not LYING to their employees that everything is all roses ( and then will just fire them , one Monday).
They’re not trying to sell you a membership!
And. THEY HAVE BAGS !
You are incorrect that indie stores don't carry toys, gifts and accessories- all the ones in my area do. What is different-the one on one personal service. Spending time with the customer. Completely better shopping experience.
When you fire your full time career, book knowledgeable employees & replace them with disposable ones, what do you expect?!
Most of our part timers ( since last February) don’t read much & have no idea who most of the authors are, when customers ask !
A witnessed a part timer look in new releases when a customer asked for Agatha Christie!
That’s what BN is now, to customers. Clueless !
They sell JUST books and not soap and toys and blankets and and DVDs and CDs and decorative flower pots .... etc etc etc.
They have a staff of people interested in READING and BOOKs and able to have a discussion with a customer.
Barnes & Noble is now a low level department store staffed by people under paid at part time hours and who (mostly) don't read and the company doesn't care. They just need someone there to do the hours. Barnes & Noble's old time luster is gone.