4 ms·

I worked in an independent bookstore while in college for about 3 years, shortly after the rise of Amazon as an ubiquitous force in bookselling. The independen

I worked in an independent bookstore while in college for about 3 years, shortly after the rise of Amazon as an ubiquitous force in bookselling. The independent bookstores that are still operating today are survivors. They've somehow survived the big box retailers, the bargain booksellers, Amazon, the Amazon / eBay used book secondary market, the rise of e-readers, the decline of magazine & newspapers, and the general decline of long-form reading across the board. I doubt indie booksellers are worried at this point. They've survived the apocalypse several times over in the last 15 years. Barnes and Noble has something to worry about, but the indies survive purely on the sense of community among avid readers and generally being a staple of intellectual pride in the neighboring community. If you have a local bookseller on your block, who is still operating it means they are a warrior and a survivor. I'd take a bet they're more worried about the economy and inflation than technology-based disruption at this point...

joejohnson 15y ago
Hmmm, I think the trends in book sales closely resemble music sales from 5-7 years back. And in the last decade, many indie music stores have gone out of business. Small record stores are uncommon today. I wouldn't be surprised to see this same trend effect bookstores.
- keithpeter 15y ago
  Have you noticed more musical instrument shops? In Birmingham UK there are several classical music instrument shops including a violin maker, and a number of electric/pop music shops. One or two independent music media shops left clinging on... Has to be a trend there.
MichaelApproved 15y ago
I beg to differ. Mom and pop stores have it the worst. Their getting competition from B&N and Amazon. Being a staple of intellectual pride doesn't pay the rent. In the past few years I've only seen book stores close and I've never seen one open.
- starwed 15y ago
  My city had a decent sized independent bookstore open just two years ago. And since they just moved into a better location, I'd assume they're doing ok. (http://www.morrisbookshop.com/ http://www.morrisbookshop.com/)
  - MichaelApproved 15y ago
    touché

joejohnson 15y ago

Hmmm, I think the trends in book sales closely resemble music sales from 5-7 years back. And in the last decade, many indie music stores have gone out of business. Small record stores are uncommon today. I wouldn't be surprised to see this same trend effect bookstores.

keithpeter 15y ago
Have you noticed more musical instrument shops? In Birmingham UK there are several classical music instrument shops including a violin maker, and a number of electric/pop music shops. One or two independent music media shops left clinging on... Has to be a trend there.

MichaelApproved 15y ago

I beg to differ. Mom and pop stores have it the worst. Their getting competition from B&N and Amazon. Being a staple of intellectual pride doesn't pay the rent. In the past few years I've only seen book stores close and I've never seen one open.

starwed 15y ago
My city had a decent sized independent bookstore open just two years ago. And since they just moved into a better location, I'd assume they're doing ok. (http://www.morrisbookshop.com/ http://www.morrisbookshop.com/)
- MichaelApproved 15y ago
  touché