According to this article in Medill Reports, “analysts say retail bookstore chains will cease to exist as we know them, underperforming stores will close, and bookstore chains will be reduced to a few localized stores catering to specialized local needs.” It suggests bookstores may succeed if they “keep unique selections of books and providing social space to their local communities.”
Analysts say roles played by retailers, publishers, and authors will transform as ebooks gain a larger market share. However, it’s the retail bookstore chains that will be impacted the most.
“Retailers have rent, they have space and they have obligations. They can’t alter very quickly. So if the velocity of change continues at this pace, it’s going to put a lot of bookstores in jeopardy because they won’t be able to adapt fast enough to survive,” said Scott Lubeck, executive director of Book Industry Study Group Inc.
Meanwhile, Christian Retailing (@ChristianRetail) reports that CBA executive director Curtis Riskey is still working on an "ebook solution" for retailers.
"What we are looking at is how can we maintain the relationship with our core customer base, but also give them something that is unique and different -- which sets our Christian retail channel apart," Riskey says.
What ideas do you have to help bookstores keep their doors open?