Resurgence of Barnes & Noble

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I read a lot but I am surprised it's doing well. Books are so expensive. I go there often with dd and sometimes will buy a book for her (mostly new releases) but most of the time I take a pic of books I want to read and then get them from the library when I get home.

I couldn't tell you the last time I bought a book at B&N. I only buy from independent book stores, and they are expensive, but I think it's important to support them since they are few and far between.

[Anonymous]

B&N used to have a huge location in downtown Bethesda. 3 levels. They always seemed quite full, but now it's a furniture store. A local place opened up on the other part of Bethesda (Wonderland Books) and despite being small, they seem to be doing well.

B&N makes good money in children's books, because for the youngers kids they're tactile (pop-up or stuff to touch) and you can't replicate that with an e-book, plus kids like to see and touch books before they decide. For the other stuff (non-kids), they're selling the experience, not the prices, but their prices aren't too bad either, especially if you're a membber and go on a sale day.

[Anonymous]

They're the only think stopping Amazon from being a total monopoly, so I support shopping there...though I personally frequent my local indie because I don't have to get on the highway to get to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.

The prices

+1 the prices are insane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:B&N used to have a huge location in downtown Bethesda. 3 levels. They always seemed quite full, but now it's a furniture store. A local place opened up on the other part of Bethesda (Wonderland Books) and despite being small, they seem to be doing well.

B&N makes good money in children's books, because for the youngers kids they're tactile (pop-up or stuff to touch) and you can't replicate that with an e-book, plus kids like to see and touch books before they decide. For the other stuff (non-kids), they're selling the experience, not the prices, but their prices aren't too bad either, especially if you're a membber and go on a sale day.

The B/N that you are thinking about is now the largest Anthropology. It does have furniture but I wouldn't say it's a furniture store.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.

The prices

Spoken like a Gen Z’er fresh out of high school looking for a high-paying job

[Anonymous]

I will continue to support B and N! I remember I was sad when Borders closed and this is the next best thing in my area. I also support the independents and used book stores near me.

[Anonymous]

I still miss Borders. And I did like the Barnes & Noble in Bethesda since it was so huge, but am glad Wonderland has filled the gap for an independent bookstore nearish me.

Like a previous poster I sometimes take pictures of the books that interest me and get them from the library. I do feel a bit guilty since it means the authors themselves are selling fewer copies. It’s not just expense, but that I have no room on my bookshelves for anything else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.

The premise of You've Got Mail! Fox Books vs Meg Ryan's little book shoppe.

[Anonymous]

Love the autonomy the stores are given - the Fairfax B&N has some really fantastic programming and partnerships with schools and everyone who works there is so friendly and helpful. It's a great experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.

The prices

+1 the prices are insane.

Join the club!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.

The prices

+1 the prices are insane.

Join the club!

Sure the old pay to save kick. Spend $40 on membership so you can save $2.99 on your $29 book.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe the Florida panhandle has a Barnes & Noble, or any bookstores for that matter. I'll need proof.

What an odd thing to say.
30A has this independent bookstore, which I find absolutely delightful:
https://sundogbooks.com/

[Anonymous]

I find that different B&N stores now have different books on the front tables and such.

Daunt's approach saved Waterstones.co.uk already. It looks like same approach is helping B&N here. He is CEO of both firms, btw.

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised by the complaints about the prices. They're just...list prices. My local independent bookstore sells books at list price, too. Even thriftbooks.com type places only seem to sell a few dollars below now - i miss the days of $3.99 used paperbacks.

I think only Amazon and Target still deeply discount new books. And I'll spend an extra few dollars to shop anywhere else.