Agreed: it's not the concept alone, but the execution. BN, Borders, BAM!, and others all tried the same strategy. Borders is already out of business, and BAM!

Agreed: it's not the concept alone, but the execution. BN, Borders, BAM!, and others all tried the same strategy. Borders is already out of business, and BAM! looks like it's on its way (it's no longer public so financials are difficult to know, but part time employees report that they get more or fewer hours based on how many gift cards they sell, which indicates cash flow problems). BN is the only one doing well, and it's my opinion that this is due to being a comfortable place to buy and read books. By contrast, book selection at BAM! is atrocious, and the cafes all seem cold, uninviting, and surrounded by gimmicks and toys.