Powell's Technical Books used to be my favorite place to hang out. I would ride downtown in the morning and spend an entire day there, scanning every shelf in my fields of interest, reveling in periodic hits of serendipity. Since PTB closed, I've been back once. It wasn't worth it any more. I'll admit that I did like it better back before the store was spruced up to be like a Borders.
Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
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Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#32Earlier quoted context omitted.
They do have a website. I would assume the problem is that nobody can compete with Amazons delivery network (and Prime) on price.
More than that, we also have the problem that many users look online on Amazon first. For example, for online searches (in the UK), I try Amazon, Wordery, and Waterstones.com -- but usually Amazon first. If they don't have something or for some reason I feel I need to look elsewhere, I try the others. Interestingly, for old or hard-to-find books, many people in the UK use BookDepository.com and AbeBooks -- guess what…
No way, I didn't know Abebooks was owned by Amazon. I always found it far easier to use than Amazon's own site for finding books.
Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#33Many people go to physical stores, look for a product they like, then search it on Amazon.
But do they do this for bookstores in the same numbers? It seems like a different demographic desiring an increasingly niche product wouldn't be showrooming in the same degree. The most showrooming probably occurs at big box stores, or those that compete with Amazon on general goods.
Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#34The problem is not Amazon, the problem is local rents. If we encourage mixed-use zoning, ie. 3-5 storey apartment blocks with the ground and first level for commercial and office use, we'll lower rents and reduce commutes.
Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#35Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes, it's called "showrooming" and retailers hate it, not that there's much they can do to stop it. However, for bookshops, I personally believe there's value in having a well-curated collection of books available locally, so I tend to allocate a portion of my book-buying money to physical stores. An added bonus: Browsing for me is an excellent alternative to recommendation algorithms, and lets me pick up books that…
I was looking at kids books yesterday and found a set of 'feelings' books, but it was $108... Checked on lazada.sg and it was $32... They may hate it, but $70 difference is too much. If it was like $50 I would have just bought the set while at the store...
This is why a lot of countries have a "fixed book price" system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed_book_price
Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#36> by siphoning business from the real world and replacing it with internet commerce. I've got news for you, people want to order on a whim and have it arrive at their home the next day. If you don't offer that then people won't buy from you. In many parts of the world overgrown local busybodies have destroyed "high streets" in attempts to monetize drivers and pad their CV; driving people away.
Personally I want to be able to travel somewhere nearby on a whim, hold a product in my hands, sometimes physically compare it to a competing product, then travel home with it on that very same day.
And you represent all consumers?
Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#37> by siphoning business from the real world and replacing it with internet commerce. I've got news for you, people want to order on a whim and have it arrive at their home the next day. If you don't offer that then people won't buy from you. In many parts of the world overgrown local busybodies have destroyed "high streets" in attempts to monetize drivers and pad their CV; driving people away.
Fortunately, Powells is great for this. Whenever I need a book delivered in the US they deliver. "In many parts of the world overgrown local busybodies have destroyed "high streets" in attempts to monetize drivers and pad their CV; driving people away. " Not sure what you're getting at here but if you think you deserve free private car storage on public land you might try reading The High Cost of Free Parking by Dona…
Let me guess. All cars are evil and the nation has adopted them simply to anger cyclist folk?
Embarrassingly reductive giberish. Not everyone has a living situation to live as you'd wish them
Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#38The problem is not Amazon, the problem is local rents. If we encourage mixed-use zoning, ie. 3-5 storey apartment blocks with the ground and first level for commercial and office use, we'll lower rents and reduce commutes.
That's true. But I'd say the problem is us. We want the perks of local business, but too often they're an afterthought. Or we simply choose convenience. Saving a couple dollars on Amazon is no savings at all, if we eventually lose things we love (e.g., local bookstore). But try selling that to someone who is has a religiosly deep relationship with their Prime membership and is convinced they're too busy to fit the local ____ store in. The Hustle Culture mentality has real side effects.
That said, as someone who did (i.e., owner) B&M retail for 10 years, local business need to be more available. Closing at 6.00 pm every day limits your audience. Being open later one or two evenings is a game changer. _If_ you are focused on your customers and their needs.
Or, if your store is in a small town and you drive to your shop, don't take up prime parking spots. Yes, I've seen this done. "Business is slow." Gee, I wonder why.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not an Amazon supporter. They are my vendor or last choice. That said, it's sad how often I get to that last choice so quickly (e.g., Powell's website is marginal at best).
Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#39Re: Powell’s says it won’t sell books on Amazon anymore
#40The problem is not Amazon, the problem is local rents. If we encourage mixed-use zoning, ie. 3-5 storey apartment blocks with the ground and first level for commercial and office use, we'll lower rents and reduce commutes.
Singapore social housing works like that.
Bottom floors are reserved for local small business and food court with small hawker stalls.
It was fun exploring local food courts of bigger buildings.