Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Books The Dawgs of War
Posted by Paul Constant on Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Slog Tipper Maggie informs us that there is a new bookstore opening up on the Ave in the U District, called the Book Kennel ("Ha ha, Dawgs, get it?" Maggie helpfully adds. I say "helpfully" because I actually didn't get it until she explained it to me.) They'll be going into the space where the Tiger used clothes store was, at 4321 University Way NE.
Apparently, they're now hiring, so maybe you Borders employees might want to think about taking a little jaunt to the Book Kennel to see how the rate of pay compares. This is pretty ballsy, though: It's directly across the street from the University Book Store, and sources say it'll probably sell some used textbooks and UW-branded stuff. Not counting the Great Depression, this is literally the worst time in American history to open a bookstore, and a bookstore-fight during this retail Christmas could get a wee bit ugly.
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1
I give them three months at most. That place has been a revolving door of tenants since I first moved to the U-District years ago.
Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that nothing new or innovative ever goes up in that space. Another used clothing store? Another bookstore? How about putting in something that doesn't already have a dozen entrenched competitors within a 5 block radius?
Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that nothing new or innovative ever goes up in that space. Another used clothing store? Another bookstore? How about putting in something that doesn't already have a dozen entrenched competitors within a 5 block radius?
6
before tiger, that space was home to the u district tower records, and before THAT-there was a bookstore there. varsity bookstore. (actually, there were two bookstores on that side of the ave-varsity & washington bookstores). i remember looking in the window after tower moved up the street, seeing a very faint 'varsity bookstore' sign on the wall. those two stores closed in the early 70's, leaving u bookstore with a monopoly on textbook sales.
7
I do like books so I'd be inclined to say they are a good present. Except I have something called a library card, which makes them kind of a shitty present (here, I paid to get you something you can get for free). Unless you're positive that I will read it repeatedly because it's that fucking epic (the Watchmen, anything by Barack Obama, about transsexuals or corgies, short stories, etc).
8
I think either Varsity Book Store or Washington Book Store survived beyond the early seventies. I remember it; I think it was run by the same weird old guy who ran the used bookstore further down the block until a few years ago. I remember it, because before it closed forever it shrank from a full-sized store to a tiny space selling only school supplies before it died.
9
@6: The idea that UBS has a "monopoly" on textbooks is the best laugh I've had today. Have you heard of Amazon? eBay? Half? Cheaptextbooks.com? Most students have...
All that aside, the profit margins for retail textbooks are laughable.
All that aside, the profit margins for retail textbooks are laughable.
10
I forgot to tell Paul the email address for applicants: bookkennel@gmail.com.
Also, the new Goodwill on the Ave. is pretty nice.
Also, the new Goodwill on the Ave. is pretty nice.
13
@3 - But what if it's a book about hot, older men posing nude? That would be an acceptable gift, right?
18
That place is always vacant.
It's because of the street musicians and panhandlers that tend to congregate outside - at least if you're seeing a movie, you only hear them for a few minutes at most.
It's because of the street musicians and panhandlers that tend to congregate outside - at least if you're seeing a movie, you only hear them for a few minutes at most.
19
Bookstores work well in clumps. As in, three bookstores on the same block will overall do better than a single bookstore here, and another there. It works especially well if the stores have niches, as in mystery, travel, kids, nautical, etc. This isn't the worst thing in the world for either, or for Twice Sold Tales.
23
#22 - The Ave, until about 1993. I know what you're thinking, and I've always wondered if the two were related.
24
Dear Posters,
My Name is Brendan and I am the general manager of the Book Kennel. Wanted to clear a few things up about who we are and what we do.
- We are an independently owned and operated small business. We are not affiliated with any large chain or the University of Washington in any way.
-We will be selling both USED AND NEW DISCOUNT TEXTBOOKS for University of Washington students. We will also purchase textbooks back from students.
-Our mission is to provide University of Washington students with DISCOUNT textbooks, we strive to keep our costs low so we can then pass the savings on to the student. With costs rising on everything, students need any help they can get. We will also strive to offer the highest BUYBACK values on textbooks when purchasing them back from students.
-We will be carrying some apparel and merchandise as well, with the same effort to keep our prices low here as we do on our textbooks.
-We will not be carrying trade books such as Twice Sold Tales does or Barnes and Noble.
-Our relationship with the University Bookstore has been very cordial and respectful. We both intend to keep it that way.
As for some of the naysayers, I can understand your point of view with the condition of our economy. However, people still are attending college and looking to save money wherever they can, we hope to provide some relief for them.
If you have any further questions or comments, please send me an email to bookkennel@gmail.com.
Thank you,
-Brendan
My Name is Brendan and I am the general manager of the Book Kennel. Wanted to clear a few things up about who we are and what we do.
- We are an independently owned and operated small business. We are not affiliated with any large chain or the University of Washington in any way.
-We will be selling both USED AND NEW DISCOUNT TEXTBOOKS for University of Washington students. We will also purchase textbooks back from students.
-Our mission is to provide University of Washington students with DISCOUNT textbooks, we strive to keep our costs low so we can then pass the savings on to the student. With costs rising on everything, students need any help they can get. We will also strive to offer the highest BUYBACK values on textbooks when purchasing them back from students.
-We will be carrying some apparel and merchandise as well, with the same effort to keep our prices low here as we do on our textbooks.
-We will not be carrying trade books such as Twice Sold Tales does or Barnes and Noble.
-Our relationship with the University Bookstore has been very cordial and respectful. We both intend to keep it that way.
As for some of the naysayers, I can understand your point of view with the condition of our economy. However, people still are attending college and looking to save money wherever they can, we hope to provide some relief for them.
If you have any further questions or comments, please send me an email to bookkennel@gmail.com.
Thank you,
-Brendan
25
Our thanks to the UW students who have helped make the Book Kennel a success.
We are committed to provide a "no frills" and low overhead textbook store offering starving students a bit better value for both purchases and buybacks on their textbooks. UW students have rewarded us by bringing some of their business our way. Those who have shopped with us are going away pleased although we have run out of stock on a few titles. This will be resolved as we are better able to judge the numbers in the future. We will continue to offer good values and appreciate the kind reception we've received. Any suggestions offered by students are welcome.
Larry Weaver co-owner Book Kennel
We are committed to provide a "no frills" and low overhead textbook store offering starving students a bit better value for both purchases and buybacks on their textbooks. UW students have rewarded us by bringing some of their business our way. Those who have shopped with us are going away pleased although we have run out of stock on a few titles. This will be resolved as we are better able to judge the numbers in the future. We will continue to offer good values and appreciate the kind reception we've received. Any suggestions offered by students are welcome.
Larry Weaver co-owner Book Kennel
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