Quote:
Originally Posted by jasonkchapman
I think they can be if, combined with the cafe and events, you can turn them into a chain community-centric places with an indie bookstore feel. The problem is that you can't just turn out store managers from a mold. The stores would have to run like indie bookstores. Each one would be a little bit different, in keeping with its community environment.
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Which might be the biggest sticking point.
One of the problems for large retail chains is precisely maintaining a community centric approach. Years back, a woman I know managed a bookstore that was part of a small chain. She was in near tears of frustration. Buying decisions for the chain were made at the HQ store, based on what sold well
there. Her store had different demographics and the HQ selections didn't match them.
She knew what her customers read, but getting that across to HQ was an uphill battle.
Square and cube that, and you get the state of places like B&N and Borders.
I think there's merit in the approach. I despair of changing the corporate culture and operating practices of a major chain to make it happen.
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Dennis