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I think we're being a little optimistic, here. Bricks and mortar bookstores have been declining in numbers for some years, including the hallowed specialty dealer. Magazine stores, and just the ability to buy a wide selection of magazines, has been declining for several years. Newspapers are struggling and disappearing.
What makes bookstores immune? They aren't and they will continue to "phase down" but not out. E-books are yet another reason why bookstores are under pressure and will continue to decline. It is incredibly expensive for rents, staff, inventory, electricity, advertising and promotion to run a dedicated bookshop, large or small. It's no wonder some stores now sell lawn accessories, DVDs, specialty coffee and toys where once they would have simply sold books. They do it to draw traffic because, my friends, books are not enough. And e-books don't make it any better.
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