In a lot of areas, the mega-bookstore lended a patina of high culture to areas that now basically consist of pricey lofts and bars/restaurants. If there's any

In a lot of areas, the mega-bookstore lended a patina of high culture to areas that now basically consist of pricey lofts and bars/restaurants. If there's any truth to the complaints, I think it's that they speak to a demand for more variety in "third places" - somewhere to meet friends and serendipitously run into new people outside of the house. Restaurants and bars are fine, but I think people miss other kinds of commerce - retail used to add that variety. Perhaps the eager adoption of work share spaces speaks to this. I think there are more business opportunities catering to this innate human need.