Are Brick and Mortar Bookstores Like Barnes and Noble Extinct as We Know Them?

The question of whether brick and mortar bookstores like Barnes and Noble are extinct as we know them is complex and multifaceted. While the number of physical bookstores has declined in recent years, partially due to the rise of online shopping and digital reading, many passionate book lovers still prefer the traditional experience of browsing physical books.

Decline of Brick and Mortar Bookstores

Barnes and Noble has significantly reduced its physical store footprint over the past decade. The company has closed over 150 stores, leaving it with just 627 stores. Carolyn Reidy, President and Chief Executive of Simon Schuster, echoed that the loss of Barnes and Noble could have been catastrophic for the industry. The sale was unanimously approved by Barnes and Noble’s board.

Indie Bookstores Resilience

Despite the decline, there are still many independent bookstores thriving. Independent stores have been making a comeback. Stores like The Strand in New York City, Powell's Books in Portland, and City Lights Books in San Francisco continue to attract a loyal customer base. These stores offer a unique experience that online shopping cannot fully replicate.

The Non-Digital Experience

For many people, the traditional experience of browsing books is irreplaceable. The ability to touch, flip through, and smell books is a sensory experience that digital formats cannot match. While younger generations may fall behind in this trend, a significant portion of the population still cherishes this aspect of book shopping.

The Future of Bookstores in the Post-COVID World

The coronavirus pandemic further exacerbated the challenges faced by brick and mortar bookstores. Bookstores are low-margin operations, and the necessary safety measures to comply with social distancing restrictions have made operations even more challenging. Additionally, prolonged exposure to crowded spaces is a critical factor, especially for stores that rely on patrons lingering to browse.

The impact of the pandemic on the retail landscape is profound. With many office workers planning to work from home permanently, this shift will significantly affect the traffic patterns that brick and mortar bookstores depend on. Commutes and associated transportation will diminish, further impacting these store locations.

Indie Bookstores in Crisis

Indie bookstores, often dependent on major publishing conglomerates for subsidized space, are facing an uncertain future. These stores don’t have the deep pockets to weather economic storms, and the challenge of reducing store traffic by 50–75% for protective distancing has made their financial sustainability challenging. The potential for these stores to continue is tenuous.

For those nostalgic for the traditional bookstore experience, the future of brick and mortar bookstores like Barnes and Noble seems uncertain. While some hope for a resurgence or revival, the current climate suggests a challenging and possibly irreversible shift in the industry landscape.

As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the role of brick and mortar bookstores in our society is likely to evolve. Those who love books appreciate these physical spaces, and the challenge for the industry is to adapt to the changing retail environment while preserving the unique value of the physical book.