Pre-internet, independent bookstores excelled at curation and quality recommendations. They provided better access than chain stores, and they often helped the

Pre-internet, independent bookstores excelled at curation and quality recommendations. They provided better access than chain stores, and they often helped the customer avoid weak selections. Some chain bookstores certainly had a few good staff members, but the selection and consistent quality of the staff was lacking. I will also humbly suggest that independent bookstores were great places to find likeminded people back when being a geek/nerd wasn't trendy. Anyway, the internet has solved a lot of the recommendation and curation problems of the past, so the independent bookstores have had to struggle to find a way to add value such that people actually shop there. It's possible, but much tougher than the past, imho.