The 'indie' comment rings very true in my experience. Each Waterstones I've been in seems to have a unique feel but still remains under a strong brand. I think

The 'indie' comment rings very true in my experience. Each Waterstones I've been in seems to have a unique feel but still remains under a strong brand. I think the one in Taunton is great as I think that one has a huge reading area upstairs. Cheltenham is different with its café and condensed layout. The Guildford one is three levels I think and has loads of more niche stuff up top (where it belongs really, not taking up prime first floor popular sales). Staff are always nice to speak to, find stuff I've needed straight away and best of all they have an ebook store too. Like you said, they seem to love books too which really helps as they seem 'interested' in helping you and to talk about the genre you're interested in. I credit one guy in Cribbs Causeway store for getting me started with Peter Hamilton and Alastair Reynolds. Yikes, I've just realised I've been in a lot of Waterstones shops!