5 Oct 2011

YE OLDE BOOKSHOP.

Internet and supermarkets kill off 2,000 bookshops

According to research carried out by Experian there were only 2,178 bookshops left in Britain's high streets this July. With supermarkets, the rise of internet retailers and the ever-growing popularity of e-readers nearly 2,000 bookshops have closed since 2005. - James Hall, The Telegraph (September 2011) Click HERE for full article.

Stark facts I know. So is it a good idea for Waterstone's (a big book retailer here in the UK and across Europe)to end its 3-for-2 book promotion?

Well it is according to new managing director James Daunt who said that the offer .....

"Goes completely against the grain of how I like buying books. We don't despoil our books by putting stickers on them."

A fair point Mr Daunt. 

But its not all bad news as ........

The 206 store Waterstones business is now said to be looking at introducing money-off deals either pricing campaign books at £5 or introducing a 'staggered' offer for paperbacks at £3, £5 and £7. - Alison Flood, The Guardian (September 2011)Click HERE for full article.

But getting back to the internet being responsible for the closure of so many bookshops.

Its no secret that when it comes down to books I prefer the real deal, no e-books for me, thank you very much.  No, I love to browse my local bookshop (which happens to be a Waterstone's), I love the smell of books, and there is nothing quite like opening the pages of a new book

BUT

Like many other households money is tight here in the Petty Witter household and whilst in an ideal world I'd love to be able to buy all of my book from Waterstone's or, better still, a local, independent store I confess that though Waterstone's also has books available to buy online it is cheaper to buy books from specialist online retailers such as Amazon. Plus of course buying this way also has the advantage that the book(s) are delivered straight to the door - a big plus for someone with mobility problems.

So, What do you think of the 3-for-2 offer and how do you prefer to buy your books?

14 comments:

Trac~ said...

Good morning - stopping by to say hello and that I've missed you! I don't get a chance to read much, but when I do - I prefer a real book as opposed to e-books as well. I love the "smell" of libraries! :) Have a great day!

Kelly said...

I stayed away from an e-reader as long as I could, but now that I have one I've found there are great advantages. It will NEVER replace my "real" books entirely, but I definitely have a place for both in my life.

As much as I'd like to support the small locally owned bookstore in my little town, I tend to order the majority of my books from Amazon or QPBC online. When browsing in real life I love to visit a Barnes & Noble, the closest being over a 100 miles away!

Suko said...

I love bookshops, the older and more "eccentric" the better. But, I also like stores such as Barnes & Noble. And I LOVE Amazon (best price and selection).

serendipity_viv said...

I really liked 3 for 2, but to be honest I buy most of mine off Amazon, because I know I can get exactly what I want.

Gina said...

Here here! While I have been known to indulge in an ebook now and then, my "bread and butter" so to speak is the 100% original, old as time and still kicking...PAPER copy! That's right. Hands down FAVORITE way to read. Something about the whole experience....it just seems more personal...plus I get to "unplug" from all the technology for an adventure filled reprieve. AS for the sale stopping portion and preferences to buying, I'm like most readers/shoppers....I love a good bargain. Like you said, it's hard when your "habit" is so all encompassing....you have to save something somewhere. That being said I still prefer to buy local when I can and my pocketbook is in luck because we have a chain store right in our city that is ALWAYS running some great special or another. I still buy full priced books now and again, but the specials and bargains sometimes highlight titles/authors I may not have noticed otherwise. (Oh and the stickers....grant it I prefer them not on there, but our store uses the easy to remove time so as not to damage said precious book.)

Well, that's about all from me...time to let someone else have some commenting space. ^_^ Happy reading!

Heather said...

I read both paper and e versions, though still prefer paper. I try to buy several times a year from my local independent store as it would be a shame if they were to close. They hold many author readings each month.
If I'm going to special order, I might as well go to the indie as those books rarely have a discount at either location.

anilkurup59 said...

Internet together with the advent of DVDs rang the death knell of one of the oldest and my favourite library in my home town- " The British Council Library". They closed and auctioned off the books a few years ago.

You are right the smell of the book off the book shelf , the glee that is in you when rummaging greedily through the book store , expecting to find your favourite in every shelf..!

Internet , or E book is like surrogate. The real thrill are still in books in paper and when you buy off the shelf.
I refuse to change if I can.

Jenners said...

I'm like you … as much as I'd like to buy all my books from a book store, the lower prices from places like Amazon make it hard to justify.

Betty Manousos said...

rational thought about buying books, indeed.

the lower prices make them more appealing.
the cheaper the better!

betty xx

My Gallery of Worlds said...

I love the real deal as well , and I go to the book store for the majority of my books. I enjoy the whole experience...and the Star Bucks...lol Great post :D

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Honestly? Give me a good book and I'm happy. Don't care if it is an ebook or a paper... UNLESS... it has illustrations. Then there is no substitute for a paper book. I do love a bookstore and I'm hoping there will be more options as we get into this era. One company is having it's backlist as a print on demand in certain stores. They just have to put in what book they want and the printer prints it up for the person. Love that idea.

LL Cool Joe said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I have to admit to buying all my books through Amazon. The same with cds and downloading music. I'm a bit of a on-line shopper and do look for a bargain. I don't see the point in going into Waterstone's or HMV and paying almost double the price for something that I can get delivered to my door for much less.

Full-On-Forward said...

I like buying books at trade in stores, and flea market thrift type stores for 50 cents. Yes, I have to wait for some reads--but a Good book still feels RIGHT in your hands!!!!

Great post!

J

Jinky said...

I still haven't gotten into the e-readers. I love printed books!! --I'm queen of frugal so I get my books through the library. :)