ATLarts

By Booklover

August 4, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

A benefit for a retail, for-profit bookstore.They’re kidding, right?

By Susan

August 5, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Their new location is a bust. Parking is a challenge. I ordered a book, went to pick it up and after almost 15 minutes of circling, could not find a place to park. Went back a second trip and parked in the”10 minute spot” dashed in and out. I wish them good luck, because we need to support small business.

By Buchenlieber

August 5, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Booklover said it all. I always thought benefits were for raising money for people, families, non-profits, etc., - not retail stores that made poor business decisions and/or couldn’t make it in the free market. If that’s the case, I’m organizing a benefit to save the ‘Steak and Ale’ at Northlake!

By Online

August 5, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Buy books at Amazon or Buy.com—-much cheaper, free delivery, every book you need in stock, etc. Bookstores are obsolete.

By Susan

August 5, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Booklover, etc. I agree a benefit for a “for profit” seems out of place.However; when the taxpayers (that means us) have had to bail out Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Bear Stearns, etc. I think those could also be classified as “benefits for “for profits” why not let the free market do what it does in those cases?

By Mike

August 5, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

In an economic downturn, we really need to support retailers that we like. We can’t all rush off to Wal-Mart and wonder why our favorite gift shop went out of business.

If you don’t think it’s appropriate to make a donation to keep a for-profit business going, then go there and buy a book!

By Josh

August 5, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Mike,

Good point!! Let’s be laissez faire in supporting respective causes.

My two-pence — esp with regard to Susan’s comment — for all those bleeding heart types out there (mainly liberals/progessives)who love small stores and hate big box outlets, an observation…a buddy of mine from New Zealand was here last month and I was shocked to see him at Walmart stocking on stuff like undies, socks, T-shirts, etc. He was buying as if there was no tomorrow and when I prodded him, he basically told me that big box outlets are not allowed to set up shop in that country, because of pressure from the “independent” types. As a result, there is no economy of scale, less competition and generally speaking, items are extremely expensive. He could not believe how cheap items were at WalMart (the one on Chamblee Tucker Rd) and the weak US Dollar was further incentive for him to buy like crazy. I am not against any of the small stores or small business but what I do object to is the higher moral ground that people adopt when bashing bigger stores/outlets. I thought Nora Ephron dealt with it in her unique way in You’ve Got Mail vis-avis Fox Books and The Shop Around The Corner.

My best wishes to Wordsmiths. Hopefully, they’ll be able to ride this tide.

By bibliophile

August 5, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I am an avid reader and would love nothing more than to support an independent bookstore like Wordsmiths, but unfortunately every time I go into this store with my “to read” list (most of which are pretty popular, mainstream titles), it’s almost impossible to find any of the books I’m looking for, which is really discouraging. I guess it’s a “chicken / egg” situation - if they were stronger financially they would be able to offer a wider selection. Good luck, Wordsmiths. Boy, do I miss Oxford Bookstores!

By Lily Toad

August 5, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Think about what would happen if bookstores become obsolete — you can only find books that you search for, or that Amazon recommends based on earlier purchases. No serendipity of seeing a book that you never knew existed, picking it up and buying it, just because you saw it in person. On-line buying will never replicate that experience. Support independent book stores. The owners are people who are trying to provide a service and make a profit. In the day of internet, zillions of cable channels and computer games, less people are reading making it hard for all book stores. At this rate, first the independents will go out of business, followed by B&N, Borders, etc.

By beedlebaum

August 6, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

The way some of these commenters sound, you’d think the store was forcing them to donate. If you don’t want to, don’t. But don’t act like it’s an absurd proposition. I’m also guessing that the owners of the store would appreciate you, you know shopping there instead of a big chain in lieu of a donation.

FYI, to Josh: the reason things are more expensive in NEW ZEALAND has nothing to do with WalMart. That’s one of the dumbest things I’ve ever read.

Secondly, if you’re comparing buying socks and t-shirts to books: by all means, shop at WalMart.

By Maria

August 9, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Suggestions, for what they’re worth—I’m not a retailer:

Select dates and authors/musicians for events (where you want to pull in revenue) judiciously. Summer is not a good time for most high profile events! Still have your great guests, just fewer and aligned with the seasons/Decatur community events as a whole. Make sure that market can support amount of programming you have. Also the “tone” of your events. WSmiths seems to be trying to be all things to all people—bookies, hipsters, mainstreamers, teenagers, etc. Perhaps a more consistent (Decatur-ish) tone/point of view? Having the store as a meeting place for poetry/book groups is great, of course!

Have staff say “welcome (or hi, or whatever). Let us know if you need any help” as patrons come in. Or at least nod, eye contact, smile. Sometimes they appear stressed or preoccupied, albeit very helpful. I assume they learn names quickly.

Figure out when there is the most foot traffic, and have hours correspond with that?

Partner with Eddie’s Attic and Java Monkey, maybe Brickstore somehow for mutual benefit. Probably, you have already.

Special orders are a mainstay of independent bookstores that have small inventories.

Possibly have an entity like Charis Circle? You’ve probably talked to them re: how they’ve managed to stay alive when most feminist bookstores are kaput? Outwrite is basically a community center with lots of foot traffic going by. I am not sure if it is a similar situation to yours. I see your bookstore as more like Charis as far as the challenges you face.

Real signage. The banner looks temporary.

Any possibility of dedicated parking?

Why does anyone shop at an independent bookstore instead of at a chain or online? Community. Both NYT bestsellers and books you can’t find anywhere else. A personalized experience that gives one a sense of place and relief from alienation. Feeling a connection with other booklovers. In this economic climate, I think there are few other reasons.

All best wishes to Wordsmiths. We’re in a recession, man, and you are extremely courageous!