My local, independent book store is going strong. Who needs another big chain? Support independents!
Who needs another big chain?
For the same reason we want locally owned hardware stores as well as Home Depot - the selection. The big chains can afford larger real estate and book sections as large as some book stores. Especially for technical and reference books. Sure, you could buy that stuff online but I’d rather shop in person. Sometimes I need something now and sometimes I don’t know what I need until I’m walking past it. I love the curation and personality of small stores but there’s still a reasonable argument for big chains. I would love to see some sort of beneficial collaboration between chains and indie shops across all industries.
It’s kind of funny how Amazon makes Barns and Noble seem cute and cuddly.
I’ve got Strand books here in NY so I don’t need Barnes and noble but if you live in a small town without a local bookstore this might be your only option.