Comments on: Spotlight on Bookstores: Charlesbank Books in Belmont, Massachusetts

By: zibilee

zibilee — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:56:12 +0000

This is so sad to hear. I hope that this community gets it’s wish and someone swoops in and saves this little bookstore. The big box stores aren’t all bad, but some of their decisions are monumentally unthinking and unfeeling.

By: Ann

Ann — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:04:37 +0000

It is sad that Belmont is losing its chain.

I applaud the efforts of the community to keep it alive but wonder if locals have thought of the differences between a chain location and an Independent. Would they really support a truly independent bookstore? The independents in that location prior to this didn’t survive (and they were darned good stores). Not far from Belmont some Indies are doing well–but they’re in locations that are densely populated, buy-local aware, and supportive of the quirks and non-chain practices of Indies.

Many Indie’s don’t offer expansive discounts on key titles on a regular basis; chains can and Charlesbank does. If the new Stephen King is only 15% off at the Indie but 40% off at the big box/chain/online stores what will a price shopper do? Charlesbank feels and looks like a mini-Barnes & Noble and if an Indie were to step in that would change dramatically. How would that impact customer loyalty when the discounts are gone?

Indie store owners wear too many hats to count: they are buyers, box-openers, merchandisers, marketing and personnel managers, cleaners, event coordinators, and tenants (I’ve missed plenty). Chains have salaried buyers in centralized offices making decisions for stores nationwide, they have employees devoted to author events, real estate, accounts payable/receivable, shipping, returns and more. Chain employees are paid their wages with some surety. But every single employee of an Indie shop is supported by income made at the shop which comes from the local community supporting that shop.

Don’t get me wrong: I love independent bookstores. But it takes a whole community stepping up to the cash registers on a regular basis for an Indie to thrive.

By: Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)

Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:59:31 +0000

This is sad! Why close a bookstore that is beloved by all. What ever happened to probationary periods…maybe they could have one quarter of probation to lift sales and generate revenue. Maybe someone should offer to buy the bookstore from B&N…maybe after its closed an entrepreneur can step into the space and start again. The community that loves its bookstore will find away.

I love that the kids are campaigning to save the store.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:03:58 +0000

This is so sad and one of the reasons why when I travel I now make time to visit the local indie bookstores so I can feature something about them on my blog. I always hope that someone will go to them after reading about them and buy a book, or tw, or three… Unfortunately this story is one that is happening all too often these days! Here’s hoping that they will be saved from the brink by some miracle!

By: Jeannie

Jeannie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:15:11 +0000

That just makes me heartsick. There is nothing better than a little neighborhood bookstore. I choose them over the ‘big box’ stores every time. This is happening more and more…and from my chair the only way it will end is if us book lovers refuse to buy from the big flashy places and support our local little book nooks. Cheers for the little girls and their flyers! They’re trying, bless their hearts.

By: softdrink

softdrink — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:38:08 +0000

By: Australian Bookshop

Australian Bookshop — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:15:51 +0000

All too often we don’t think of the consequences of our choices until its too late. Small independent shops like this are a wealth of knowlege and wonder and really can’t be replaced by the ‘New’ kind of book shop which is more like a supermarket.

We all like to save a dollar where we can but by shifting our spending to the major chains we inadvertantly deny the small independents the life blood they need to survive.

I have always been prepared to pay a dollar or two more for what I want provided it comes with good friendly service and the peace of mind I get knowing that the store has the knowledge and desire to help me should I need it.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:18:11 +0000

This is a heartbreaking Spotlight, Dawn. I hope something happens to save that wonderful store.

By: Ti

Ti — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:14:00 +0000

It’s so disheartening to see a bookstore close. I am especially touched by that flyer. Even though I live in Los Angeles County, we have no indies near me. We have a Barnes and Noble and a Borders and both are alright, but can’t compare to a cozy neighborhood bookstore. If I won the lottery I’d open my own.

By: Ladytink_534

Ladytink_534 — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:58:03 +0000

Cute little store! It’s laid out a bit like my local Waldenbooks though.

Comments on: Spotlight on Bookstores: *Charlesbank Books* in Belmont, Massachusetts