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The Booksmith

We live in a relatively small community, although larger than I grew up in. Even so, there are but two bookstores in the area: a used store in town and a mall bookstore. The mall bookstore is closing at the end of the month (I’d link to it, but the local newspaper wants to charge for that privilege . . . I don’t think so!). It’s not a surprise as to why.

From what I recall, The Booksmith has been opened for 20 years. In that time, book selling has changed radically. Borders and Barnes and Noble are all around (25 minute drive north or east). Their prices severely undercut an independent mall bookstore . . . not to mention the selection is far greater.

Then the Internet hit . . . most books, I suspect, are bought online. I know most of mine are.

So, the mall bookstore cannot compete on price. It must differentiate then in order to remain in business.

Several years ago I ran a contest at my school. After having contacted The Booksmith, it was agreed they would provide a $25 gift certificate for the winner of the contest. When the time came, they backed out. I was told since our school had not ordered any books they didn’t think it was appropriate to give a gift certificate. They did not honor their agreement. That was when I stopped shopping there.

Tonight our family was at the mall. I noticed there was a going out of business sign in the window. With but two weeks left before they close, I figured there might be some good bargains. Nope. Some books are being sold for 20% off, but only some. That isn’t going to move the merchandise.

As I browsed the aisles, I noticed Office 2000 for Dummies and Windows XP for Dummies. That further illustrates the problem with The Booksmith: those books are severely out-of-date.  Who is going to pay full price for those books even if there were someone interested in them?

Our area will be down to just a used bookstore in April.  I don’t suspect many will be inconvenienced by that.

Also blogged on this date . . .

• Dot . . . Dot . . . Dot . . . - 2007
• Kean Ahead in Poll - 2006
• Hallelujah - 2005
• Smoke This! - 2005

Tags: books, business, Cumberland