Bookstores

[ShiftyNJ]

Do you think the independent new/used (trade-ins accepted) type of bookstores are still good ideas, business-wise? I've been wanting to open one (if the time is ever right and I am brave enough) but want other opinions. Not that I know the entire market, but it seems that e-readers have not stopped people from wanting physical copies of books; and for me personally, I can't stand e-readers.

I read somewhere that physical books are making a comeback vs. readers. I have an easier time reading on digital screen because my eyes are screwed up, but I love bookstores. We have two great ones in our area (@CellarDweller do you go to Montclair Book Center and/or Watchung Booksellers in Montclair?). The former does deal in used books and is a big maze of a place... I could wander in there for hours although I wonder how much they make on used books. The latter is smaller and a little more upscale, only deals in new books, and has a coffee/sandwich place adjacent.

Annapolis seems like a place that would support such a thing assuming the market is not saturated.

My advice would be:

• Put it someplace where there is foot traffic especially students
  
• Make the space inviting for people to linger.... comfortable seating, fireplace, table games, maybe space flexible enough to allow for events (live music, small group meetings, book groups, NaNoWriMo write-ins, etc.)
  
• Either sell or be friendly to coffee, pastries, etc.
  
• Join one of the networks of independent booksellers that lets people shop online and fulfill through your store. I do this through Watchung Booksellers mentioned above... they order it and I go there to pick it up, usually within a few days.