Fetch...The Comfy Chair!
Or not, if the Baltimore Sun is to be believed.According to yesterday's story, "Hard facts oust soft chairs," Borders bookstores have cut their comfortable seating by 30%. The Barnes & Noble at the Power Plant at Baltimore's Inner Harbor is phasing out its cozy chairs because homeless people and amorous couples were taking advantage of the free horizontal surfaces.
There seems to be no agreement at the top levels of book chains as to whether providing a homey atmosphere encourages or discourages buying.
I tend to make book-buying decisions on the spot--I read the back cover copy, maybe glance at a page or two of prose inside to see if I like the author's style, then head for the cash register or coffee shop (usually in that order, because I'm a spiller).
What about you? Are you more or less likely to buy books if you have fifteen (or fifty) minutes to browse through them in the gentle arms of a Barcalounger? And what would Cardinal Ximinez think?
A-Z Update: "Riverdance - Remix" by Bill Whelan
Labels: reading
6 Comments:
Posted by:
Dave S. at 7/26/2007 12:05 PM
Posted by:
selkiewriter at 7/26/2007 12:20 PM
When in a bookstore, however, (which is not such an uncommon occurrence, I assure you) I do tend to take the "read the back cover and take a chance" route. I don't have hours to sit around in a store, nor would I want to. That's just me :)
When I picked up "Eyes of Crow", for instance, the cover art caught my eye. I know, I know-- it's horrible to judge a book by its cover but it was incredibly captivating. I read the back cover and popped it on the counter to be rung up. I had the exact same experience with another of my favorite authors, Charles de Lint. I'm very grateful for these 'happy accidents' but I do admit to 'researching' before I buy :)
Posted by:
Anonymous at 7/26/2007 5:15 PM
But after 3 years of only being able to buy English-language books online, I can't WAIT to get to London next month, go to Borders and sink into some of the chairs there, ENGULFED in books. Really, bring tears to the eyes.
Posted by:
Anonymous at 7/27/2007 3:46 AM
Posted by:
Jeri at 7/27/2007 8:20 AM
Posted by:
Andrew at 7/27/2007 11:10 AM
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