Quote:
Originally Posted by FrustratedReader
a) Not everyone has internet, or WiFi, or ability or desire to make online payments, or is an adult. It's a niche market, but significant. They might even have been given an ereader as a present or want to read on the phone at the bus stop, on the tube etc.
b) Some bookshops sell stationary, books, audio books (in the past, Amazon's Audible has killed physical and non-Amazon download audio books, only podcasts survive), newspapers, toys etc. Selling ebooks instore too isn't cannibalizing sales, but selling an ebook reader that has someone else's store portal is cannibalizing future sales, hence Waterstones dropping Kindle. I can't see why they thought that was a good idea.
I don't know how a bookshop should change, but the old model is doomed. Internet Only can't compete with Amazon.
If a Nook is used more to read content NOT bought in Barnes & Noble, it's a doubtful product. They'd be better selling ebooks for ANY app or ereader.
Also only a minority of ebook reading is on dedicated ereader devices, mostly eink based. The biggest market is phone users.
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A- Libraries offer internet access to those without. Rechargeable credit cards serve those without bank accounts. Last XMAS I gifted one to a tween with a Nintendo. She was thrilled. Her own bank card! It's the 21st century out there. Bookstores stuck in 19th century thinking are definitely doomed. Go find me drives, notwithstanding.
B- Some folks simply don't read enough to justify a reader or tablet and find phone screens too small. If you only read sporadically or are deep set in your ways, pbooks are just fine. Sure, most recreational readinggenres have gone heavily digital but that is the avid readers at work. Casual readers, doing one or two books a year are happy enough with pbooks and, boy are they legion.
The problem for B&M stores is that in most areas casual readers alone can't support an old school bookstore. Not with pharmacies, Costco, and newstands around, all pedlling the same mix of new releases that casuals buy. That's where adding used books, online sales, and modern marketing comes in. That is also why Waterstones got rid of front table payola. You can't survive pushing the exact same books that can be found everywhere. You can survive if you expand your appeal to your local market and/or expand your reach via online. Preferably both.
B&M stores can and will survive...if they adapt.
Many are but not all.