Death of an independent bookstore

[question everything]

It was only last fall that we discovered Bound to be Read on Grand Av in St. Paul and fell in love with it. We loved the unique selection of books, the variety, the spaciousness, the placement of comfortable chairs where I have read complete chapters before deciding to purchase books.. and we loved the recommendations when I needed a gift for a young niece living out of town (after they reach the age of 7, no more toys from me, books only).

Thus we were sorry to hear, last April, that the store will close in July, that it cannot compete with the chains and with Amazon.

We were there this afternoon. They have a large sale but, of course, the selection is dwindling. Still, we did find several that we liked.

Ahead of us was a group of women - I don't know, five of them - that purchased books by the baskets, really, for a total of $1,500.

I think that a Best Buy or some other horrid homogeneous store will go in its place.

Grand Ave., like 50th and France in Edina, is slowly losing its unique character with small stores, making room for chains. Sad.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Oh, crap! I LOVED that store!

The corporatization of America continues.

[bobbieinok]

2. same thing happened in Tulsa ca 2 years ago "Novel Idea"

there were 2 stores.....great places to shop

also many used book stores are closing and selling only online

[ISUGRADIA]

3. I was going to post about this; I'm glad you did

This is so sad, I've only been to it a few time but it was a great store for books and author events.

[bvar22]

4. The only way to change this trend:

Large Chains have an unfair business advantage in that they can use thier large volume to DEMAND lower prices from their suppliers.
Mom & POP cannot compete. If this unfair business practice continues, Wal-Mart will be the eventual winner.

We can DEMAND legislation that would force Suppliers to DELIVER their goods to everyone at the same price!!!.

Wal-Mart actually demands a price from some of their suppliers that is so low, the supplier must raise prices for the smaller distributors. This is a GROSSLY UNFAIR ADVANTAGE AND MUST BE STOPPED.!!!

The same hold true for the agribusinesses. Mom & POP farms in America should be able to compete with the huge conglomerates on a level playing field!!!

I don't want to live in an America where Wal-Mart WINS!!!!, and the only choice for Mom & Pop is to work for Wal-Mart or starve. :puke:

In the 50's and early 60's, Mom & Pop could make a good living on the farm and with a small business. It was The American Dream.
Why have we let out politicians steal the American Dream and give it to their Already Wealthy Campaign Donors?

[cynthia]

5. Wild Rumpus is my indy bookstore for children's books

Today I ordered a copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for my son. No way will the big chains get my money if I can keep an independent bookstore in business.

If you are buying a book for a child, you really must visit Wild Rumpus in Linden Hills. It is the most creative enterprise.

[question everything]

7. I love Linden Hills

Again, just discovered it last fall and, as with the Grand Av. neighborhood, we were delighted to see so many Kerry Edwards signs there. As a matter of fact, one apartment window still carries it.

[lakeguy]

6. yup, you can see the corps moving in...

i live just two blocks from Bound to be Read and I AM PISSED. the only way to make sure these types of stores stick around is to shop at them. otherwise it will be gap, chipotle and jcrew on every damn corner! oh, and don't forget about walmart-:mad: man i HATE that store.

/rant off