...will anyone care? I won't. I was devastated when the Barnes & Noble closed in my neighborhood a year ago. This isn't so much because I like the "big box" stores, but my neighborhood has been on a downward spiral for over a decade and it concerns me not having a bookstore in close proximity. For me, it's like the decline of neighborhood schools in my city. It's just detrimental to the residents.
Lately the book/publishing industry has been abuzz regarding the financial woes of Borders. Borders has never been my favorite, it's just convenient...sort of. I mean on that rare occasion I can find something other than the latest and greatest in hoodrat fiction on their shelves it's pretty neat. This is more rare than a solar eclipse these days. I recently encountered a very helpful employee who expressed a fleeting bit of concern when I shared with her how difficult it is to find the books that suit my tastes in Borders. She was eased when I told her I usually get them from one of the two online stores from which I purchase books. since I didn't name one of the few remaining indie bookstores in Memphis, she was done with that conversation.
Locally, Borders isn't the only chain potentially on the chopping block. Bookstar and Waldenbooks have closed here recently as well. Ad I'm not at all surprised to see them go. These smaller scale chain stores were most likely doomed with the shift towards online retail. Nonetheless, it's a bit sad to see any bookstore close. Except Borders. I understand that bookstores feel that they can't possibly carry "every" title in publication, but Borders and most of the brick and mortar stores have to understand that everyone cannot pay $25 for every book they purchase. I know this is an old song, but they don't seem to get it until it's too late. Price or selection has to improve in the eye of the consumer or business will be taken elsewhere.
So, will you be disappointed if Borders goes under? How much will it impact your book buying if it does?
Lately the book/publishing industry has been abuzz regarding the financial woes of Borders. Borders has never been my favorite, it's just convenient...sort of. I mean on that rare occasion I can find something other than the latest and greatest in hoodrat fiction on their shelves it's pretty neat. This is more rare than a solar eclipse these days. I recently encountered a very helpful employee who expressed a fleeting bit of concern when I shared with her how difficult it is to find the books that suit my tastes in Borders. She was eased when I told her I usually get them from one of the two online stores from which I purchase books. since I didn't name one of the few remaining indie bookstores in Memphis, she was done with that conversation.
Locally, Borders isn't the only chain potentially on the chopping block. Bookstar and Waldenbooks have closed here recently as well. Ad I'm not at all surprised to see them go. These smaller scale chain stores were most likely doomed with the shift towards online retail. Nonetheless, it's a bit sad to see any bookstore close. Except Borders. I understand that bookstores feel that they can't possibly carry "every" title in publication, but Borders and most of the brick and mortar stores have to understand that everyone cannot pay $25 for every book they purchase. I know this is an old song, but they don't seem to get it until it's too late. Price or selection has to improve in the eye of the consumer or business will be taken elsewhere.
So, will you be disappointed if Borders goes under? How much will it impact your book buying if it does?
