Really cool article I just read about the resurgence of Barnes and Noble: https://tedgioia.substack.com/p/what-can-we-learn-from-barnes-and
The closest Barnes and Noble is almost 200 miles from here, but I usually drop in if I'm in the area. I like the place. The Barnes and Noble in downtown Boulder is one of the most pleasant stores I have ever been in, from its big bright windows to the freestanding fireplace on one side of the room. Our town is blessed with a good independent bookstore that will order whatever they don't have on the shelves. I don't go in nearly as often as I would if the the store didn't feel so claustrophobic. The store has been in business well past the point most small businesses collapse, so their model works for a lot of folks even if it doesn't work for me.
I miss Mediaplay. That was my favorite. Borders was good too, RIP. I remember when Borders had their going out of business sale and everything was 10-20% off. People were crammed in there like the store was a stockyard and they were beef cattle. Where were you guys last week? Then it was just me and my toddler daring the escalator. Going up isn't as scary as going down, because of the direction you fall, I guess. It's good to hear B&N have it figured out. I still think they need to close that music section though. No one is ever in there. The manga area was a better decision, IMO.
