Thursday, November 20, 2008
Books / Retail It's Not Just Borders
Posted by Paul Constant on Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Barnes & Noble Inc. reported a larger-than-expected quarterly loss Thursday on significant drops in traffic and consumer spending at its stores.
Same-store sales, a key indicator of a retailer's health, fell 7.4 percent.
It's a loss of 18.4 million dollars for the quarter. The company says they're going to maintain "a "laser-like" focus on managing inventory," which means it'll be harder than ever to find Stanley Elkin and other more obscure treasures on any chain bookstore shelf. But it'll probably be easier to find the books that, you know, really matter, like whatever Oprah's talking about and also ninety billion copies of Team of Rivals.
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6
Ugh, my father-in-law bought me Team of Rivals for my birthday. Spoiler alert: Lincoln gets shot in the head.
7
Not my family's fault. I think we spent at least 60 bucks on books there last month, even though all my reading material comes from the library. I bought "If You Give a Cat a Cookie" and a matching stuffed cat there for my little niece this week, too.
8
@3: It's called the Book of Mormon. And good job on bringing yet another unrelated topic back to the same thing. Kudos to you.
9
I like to go to B&N and look at all the books that I will then purchase for less money somewhere else.
11
I would love to shop at small independent book stores if they actually carried anything in stock without having to order it and waiting a few weeks. So this sucks.
And someplace cheaper than B & N? Really? I have my membership card with them, which pays for itself easily in a year, and have not found cheaper prices anywhere in Seattle. Elliott is okay but too expensive.
And someplace cheaper than B & N? Really? I have my membership card with them, which pays for itself easily in a year, and have not found cheaper prices anywhere in Seattle. Elliott is okay but too expensive.
14
"Our" would be Bailey/Coy Books on Broadway. But I'm prwetty sure most indies can make the same claim.
15
@11: I would write a long screed about why you should support your local, independently owned bookstores and other retail establishments, but I have to get back work. Next time?
However, I will second what Michael Wells says above: any independent worth their salt should be able to order books for you and have them within a few days. Elliott Bay, Bailey-Coy, U Books, Third Place Books, just to name a few...
As far as saving $$$, there is no shortage of used bookstores in this town.
However, I will second what Michael Wells says above: any independent worth their salt should be able to order books for you and have them within a few days. Elliott Bay, Bailey-Coy, U Books, Third Place Books, just to name a few...
As far as saving $$$, there is no shortage of used bookstores in this town.
17
Big mega bookstores like B&N, Borders, Chapters etc. are really only good for killing some time while you're waiting to meet someone and want to flip through a magazine.
And they're a lifesaver if you need a public washroom.
Other than that, fuck 'em. Shop independent.
And they're a lifesaver if you need a public washroom.
Other than that, fuck 'em. Shop independent.
18
I'm a big fan of Tacoma Book Center, myself. That place has EVERYTHING. Mostly used, but there's new stuff there too.
20
I just got my first Stanley Elkin book (from Symposium Books, and Independent here in Providence, surprise...). I can't wait to read it!
Thanks Paul, for the great book coverage ^_^
Thanks Paul, for the great book coverage ^_^
21
@17: Yeah, I always to into B&N at the local mall when I need to piss. Theirs is the always the most accessible men's room.
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