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Think about it. Barnes and Noble has created an American sub culture. People go in and get their starbucks coffee. They have "bookstore music" playing in the backrgound i.e. Norah Jones, easy listening or 'newgrass'
People go in and see the books and then they go to the back where they sell cds and music. (of course they are too pedestrian to carry vinyl)
Then people get all they want at the bookstore.
Drives out Mom and Pop stores and the like.
Barnes and Noble has created another demographic of American.
A suburban house dwelling, lap top toting, starbucks coffee slurping suv driving yupkin
I am very glad for a B&N or Borders or Powell's Bookstore. In a city of 200,000 the "mom and pop" places are places I would not venture to enter (bars on windows, etc.) or adult book stores--no thanks. I will take clean and pleasant....
PslOLDTimer,
Tom Hanks is a big superstore FOXBOOKS owner.
He opens his store near many small book shops and runs them out of business-including The Shop Around The Corner owned by Meg Ryan.
Tom and Meg can't stand each other in person.
Meanwhile they have been corresponding over the INTERNET without knowing who either of them are and are very attracted to each other.
I am very glad for a B&N or Borders or Powell's Bookstore. In a city of 200,000 the "mom and pop" places are places I would not venture to enter (bars on windows, etc.) or adult book stores--no thanks. I will take clean and pleasant....
But Powell's isn't a franchise, right? I mean, there originally was just the one Powell's, and now there are several, but aren't they all in Oregon, owned by father/son?
Just like the Tattered Cover in Denver, it used to be a little hole in the wall on Third Avenue, and now there is more than one, but it's still owned by one person.
Unlike Barnes and Noble.
It probably is a rather whitebread experience. Actually I've never had very good customer service at B&N, and I do try to avoid it for that reason rather than trying to *not* identify with the bourgeouisie.
I would much rather frequent an independent book store however they are becoming hard to find so Borders and B&N fills the need. It's convenient, it does have a nice atmosphere, and I have always found them helpful. Usually if I call and ask for a title they check immediately and will hold it in the front for a week. Also, if they don't have a book they will order it and call me when it arrives! That is what I call customer service. And call me bourgeois but I kinda enjoy the cup of java!
Powell's is the largest idependent bookstore in the U.S. now run by Michael Powell. They are the only major bookseller to be unionized. There was great controversy during late 90's/early 2000 because Powell's had a reputation for treating its employees well offering full health benefits, profit sharing, life insurance and healthy pay raises. Many of the older employees and the community saw no need for a union. A new Powell's bookstore has been opened located 10 minutes from my house and I rarely shop at the chains any more because of the friendly atmosphere at Powell's. I don't mind paying a little more for new books because, I can buy used (usually in great condition or new) at a discount. The small bookstore within walking distance from my house was forced to close because of increase in rent and competition from the larger chains. Did I mention that I love Powell's? LOL
One of my long-time, but now out-of-date fantasies was to own a bookstore, with cozy corners for kaffee talk and browsing.
I deplore all that B&N, and Borders represents, and always grateful if I live near or find a neighbourhood bookstore. Just recently in Charleston (WVA), I was pleased that the first shop I found was Taylor's Bookstore, privately owned, warm and welcoming and well stocked.
Powell's is not in the same league with the "Bs" and I am in fact quite fond of them and their services, on site and off.
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Powell's
