Buying books? Where do you go? Barnes and Noble, Borders, Powell’s, Amazon and many others have made their mark selling books to consumers. Every grocery store and airport has at least a minimal selection of the latest Best Sellers. Independents are clearly being left in the wake of discount and big box alternatives, not to mention the myriad of sources on the internet. What can they do to compete? Can they survive?
It’s difficult to say. The independent book store comes in all shapes and sizes. By design they typically are owned and staffed by book lovers. Employees know more about the books they have in stock. Talk to any of them and you’ll see the passion in their eyes as they talk about their favorite authors and new releases. Independent bookstores fill a very important niche in the industry of bookselling. Here is where hardcore readers and those desiring superior customer service come for the best in buying books.
Big box retailers have their place as well. Much like the big music chains, they offer a wider selection of books and ordering abilities than many independents. Through sheer size and command of the marketplace, they dictate better wholesale deals leading many times to better deals for consumers. Buying from a large retail company also gives customers a uniformity of policies regarding returns that can’t be found through the local bookstore.
Even as an author, I’m a bit on the fence about the battle between the big box retailers and independent bookstores. In my heart, I have a soft spot for the small bookstore owner. Supporting local artists and lesser-unknown writers independent bookstores have more connection with their customers and have a better idea what they want. Corporate chains are powerhouses that look at sheer numbers and blockbuster Best Seller categories more than an individual writer.
They each fill their niche. I buy from the big guys on Best Selling books when their prices are the lowest. Generally, I go in looking for one particular book. Whereas, the local bookstores I frequent when I want to pick up a bunch of books, or have no idea exactly what I’m looking for. I spend hours looking and talking to the owner while my son plays with her cat.
I for one hope there never will be a day when we don’t have the option to choose. If all the independents are one day put out of business, it will be a sad day for readers. Supporting local bookstores is a bit like supporting the local library and that is something most agree we should do.
