Damnit. *Another* favorite bookstore from my youth is feeling the pain of the economic collapse.

[BlueIris]

(This makes three in two years.)

I went there today for the first time in a few months and it's...well, it could be worse. It didn't die, the old owners (of 26 years) just sold it to someone else, who then moved it to a new location. The new owner is a former employee who will probably keep up the spirit of the store in a way, but his/her first decision was to basically liquidate the store's inventory so I'm not optimistic that it's new incarnation will truly represent what it was--a delightful place of enlightenment, balance and shared knowledge. And I am very sad that the store is leaving its home, which has deep sentimental value to me. (I used to shop there with my mother when I was a kid.)

On the bright side...I made out like a bandit at its clearance sale.

:cry:

[NJCher]

1. I can identify with this

My favorite haunts (especially bookstores) mean so much to me. It's really hard to see them become victims of changes in the marketplace due to technology and also this economic downturn.

It seems like a piece taken from one's heart.

I'm sorry, BI.

I'll be very curious to see what kind of inventory the new owner will stock.


Cher

[BlueIris]

2. When I can muster up the courage, I'll check out the new digs.

But I can't even deal with the idea of doing that right now.

[Celebration]

3. sorry

I always hate it when a good retail establishment closes. At this point now it is usually restaurants! Chain restaurants usually leave me a little cold. I like the mom and pop type things. Most of the independent bookstores here are long gone. I do remember a couple of the bookstores I went to when I was young. They were great.

The only significant sized independent bookstore left here made money on used books, and it is where John Grisham (hugely popular here) chooses to go for signings. That has kept them in business a long time, but they have had to move and downsize.

[peacetalksforall]

4. One way you can help is to not think Amazon first, think Amazon last after your

LOCAL new, used, or combination of new and used local store. Even if you want to order through your computer at midnight, you can probably access the books of these stores and order and have it sent if you don't want to drive, bike, or hike. Find out if they have a web site and where they list. Find books for you non-computer parents or aunts-uncles.

Everyone is growing into the idea of buying local food from local folks. Books - food of a different kind. Tell the local stores that you went to them first.

The sun doesn't rise and set at Amazon. Save them for last resort. They won't suffer that much. The time has come to watch the survival of your locals.

[BlueIris]

5. Fear not. I've only used Amazon.com twice. In my life. And that was only when

I'd already exhausted all the local options, including Powells in Portland. I'm not a fan of ordering things online, least of all books.

[SheilaT]

6. On the bright side, an independent book store

in Santa Fe, NM, is doing well enough they are moving to a new location.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6646616.html?nid=2286&source=link&rid=