I read this week on Publishers Weekly that Brown Street Books in Rhinelander, WI was closing its doors.
Joan Belongia, the owner of Brown Street Books, stated that several factors contributed to her decision. “Kindle, Nook, paperback discounts at Barnes and Noble, Amazon…I just can’t compete,” she explained. Sales at Brown Street Books have dropped 5% each year for the past two years. Christmas sales were lackluster this year, and a huge snowstorm in January halved sales to teachers and librarians at an annual event held offsite that was sponsored by the regional reading council.
The article also quotes her as saying, “I think with Borders closing, publishers will raise prices. What else can they do? Borders is gone, and booksellers will bear the brunt of it.”
As we accept and adapt to new technology, I hope there is still room for independent book stores. They are really something to treasure, not cast aside.
