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January 31, 2012

 
 
Lee Koo Lee Koo
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Can Barnes & Noble save the bookstore?

Dear CNET members,

Let me ask you this: do you still visit brick-and-mortar bookstores, such as Barnes & Noble? I know I do, and quite often with my kids in tow, and I really do love them, but honestly I think they might be a dying breed. With today's technology landscape rapidly shifting to mostly digital content--books, music, movies, and magazine--you have to wonder how long stores like Barnes & Noble are going to last. I've already seen much fewer video rental and music stores; now bookstores are on the chopping block, too? Oh boy, I sure don't want that to happen.

If you have concerns over what's going to happen to bookstores, read "Can Barnes & Noble save the bookstore?" by CNET Blog Network's Harry McCracken. Tell us if you agree or disagree with his ideas on how Barnes & Noble's brick-and-mortar stores need to change in order to stay standing in this digital age. And if you have better ideas about what needs to be done or simply think it is inevitable that bookstores will be phased out, get in on the discussion.

Cheers!
-Lee

 

   FROM OUR COMMUNITY
  Here's what some of your fellow members had to say about this week's topic:
Can Barnes & Noble save the bookstore?

    I would disagree with anyone who says that there is not a place for a brick and mortar bookstore. Nothing beats the experience of going into a bookstore and buying a book..."   Read more  
Posted by robtimusprime
  They must diversify! The digital media is a good start, having Starbucks, is also helpful. Lets face it tech is taking over, nostalgia is nice but who can afford it. The overhead on those stores is tremendous..."   Read more    
Posted by clnc50
    Not sure B&N can save the bookstore, but agreed on the bundling. There's nothing like a real book, but there's nothing like the convenience of a digital version. Probably would double book purchases..."   Read more  
Posted by blusky08
  Read all members responses

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