How can that be?
From a piece on the Daily Beast...
How has the Strand been able to stay afloat financially amid the growing popularity of e-books and ordering books through online sites, such as Amazon?
We try very hard to give our customers the best service and best shopping experience possible. If we don't have a certain title in stock, we can easily order it for pickup in two days.
Our staff is incredibly passionate about reading and they love to recommend books and talk to customers about shared interests.
Because we are a family-owned business, we are able to make changes quickly in response to the needs and desires of our customers—we recently overhauled our website, which makes up about 25 percent of our annual sales; we added a nostalgic candy line so customers can reward themselves after shopping; and we are close to adding a stationery "store" within the store as stationery is very popular with our customers.
Is there still a future for traditional bookstores?
I really believe there is. I know so many people who love their e-reader for travelling but still prefer handling a book when they are in the comfort of their home. I think traditional bookstores just have to think outside the box and listen to their customers. Traditional bookstores can offer a unique space for community-building, where people can share ideas.
No comments:
Post a Comment