Border's Bankruptcy

And now there is one remaining ....major bookseller off line, that is. Borders Books has filed for bankruptcy and will probably be eventually liquidated, leaving only Barnes and Noble as a stand alone big chain off line bookseller. Most book stores now are switching from hard back and paper book sales to Digital books and toys. Borders originally started as one of the Superstore book sellers that rewarded shoppers by providing many more titles available both in books and music selections, and by offering big discounts on a large number of offers each week. It was a huge success in days before internet book sellers became the rage.

That kind of set-up worked well for Borders and even more so for Barnes and Noble until Amazon.com enticed consumers to shift to on line buying. Amazon. com now sells more electronic books than physical ones. This reflects the overall big rise in electronic book sales and the decline in sales of traditional books. This means it will probably wind up being a competition between Barnes and Noble and the many on line electronic book sellers.

Perhaps if the off line book stores start to offer more electronic books, they could survive. But it is doubtful, given that it is much more convenient for an e reader to just use an on line site to purchase his or her books. Since the costs of running an off line physical bookstore are much higher than on line versions, the traditional book store can't compete with on line sellers via pricing. Maybe the book store seller should re configure to sell non related book products that would entice the consumer to visit the store site.

But what else can they sell? The cafe approach of coffee, teas pastries etc. in those super book stores has worked well, bringing in customers and making the stores more profitable overall. I don't know if that concept can be expanded. Book readings and book signings are another aspect to selling books at physical stores sites that on line sellers can't engage. They are often expensive for the stores, but do bring in more foot traffic and increase sales overall.

I think more of that tactic can be used effectively by the off line sellers. Anyway, the Barnes and Noble of the world will have to come up with new ideas that on line sites can't fit into their model if they are to remain viable. The world will be a much different place for me if I don't have a book store to walk to and to browse. I am cheering for a comeback by the off line sellers.