Tried to write something relatively lucid about the possibly going ahead buyout of Ottakar's, but I just can't. Well, I can't do it and be anything other than dull and rambling. Shame really as it has been a real pain at various times over the last few months or so, especially when ill informed people have actually taken me and other members of staff to task over it (particularly over Christmas)
I suppose all I really want to say is that I'd love to see more choice of places to shop (and that's not just for books), but I'd love for those places to afford to stay open. Sadly people shop for cheapness and bookshops, particularly but not exclusively independents, just can't compete with online retail and supermarkets.
4 comments:
I have to admit I buy most of my books online, but about 90% through AbeBooks (or quite often after making contact through Abe, direct with the seller for cheaper postage). I'm planning a pilgrimage to Hay on Wye sometime soon! I went into Waterstones earlier this week and got bored by all the shinyness!
Abe are an excellent resource but again they're having a negative effect on 2nd hand bookshops. Obviously 2nd hand dealers use Abe but they do lose out a little because of the charges.
It is sort of wrong to have a shiny bookshop, the one I work at is not what you'd call modern looking, it is a pain having to deal with the strange layout but it does have a lot of character.
Planning to go to the Hay festival next year, we should meet up!
A number of the dealers I contact through Abe suggest circumventing Abe and going direct, as they are unhappy with Abe's rising charges, so you're spot on there.
I'd like to go to Hay, but was actually thinking of missing festival time..!
I'd like to go non festival and festival time, but can't afford both.... or either probably!
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