Barnes & Noble cuts staff after dismal holiday season
Personally, I was quite sad when I read this piece of news. I love going to Barnes & Noble, and such news usually results in closure. I LOVE reading books, especially physical copies! Sometimes, because of convenience or urgency, I turn to ebooks, but I’d prefer books any day! So, if these stores start shutting down, it would be quite sad, especially for the younger generation.
Barnes & Noble can probably hold more events/ book readings at their store. While launching a book, they can probably make an experience room or so. For example, if they were launching Harry Potter, they can probably have an area or section that can be decorated, making it look like Hogwarts. In that section, maybe the readers can gather, sit and read the book. B&N can have a membership, where they would allow members to sit there and read. They don’t necessarily have to buy what they are reading, but this might create brand loyalty. The company can also build smaller stores, and probably kick Starbucks out. That’ll decrease their rent and probably give them more space for other things. They also sell other products for the house, they can focus a little on that area of revenue as well.
They shouldn’t close their stores at all! Well, Amazon is doing the complete opposite. They are sort of moving from digital to the physical world. Amazon now owns book stores. They understand that building out a physical presence, helps them, at least to demonstrate complex products.
I totally agree! The smell of the books, turning the pages, imagining the stories, is a totally different experience. Isn’t it better than just sliding left/right on a cellphone/tablet? And, aren’t screens suppose to be harming our eyes anyway? And, if you’re going to carry a Kindle around everywhere you go, isn’t it easier and better to carry the book instead?
I love reading. After moving to Boston, the first thing I did was go and become a member at the nearest public library. I pick up books from the library every 2-3 weeks, and if it’s not available, I borrow the ebook. I haven’t ended up buying too many books here, but I keep a lookout for good deals to buy a few.