Comments on: The New Christmas Shopping

By: Cris

Cris — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:44:44 +0000

Waldenbooks closing hit me hard too. I absolutely love my Nook, but there is something about browsing at an actual bookstore. The staff, the smell, getting to physically hold and flip through the books. It was the whole experience. I used to go through my entire section (Romances), collecting a big stack of books as I went along. Then I’d sit down and go through them all a few times, narrowing it down to just 2-4 books.

Living in a small town, though, I have to admit I have really taken to shopping online!

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:14:02 +0000

This time of year I avoid shopping. I really really REALLY do not like to shop, and the rest of my family is about the same.

We do not exchange gifts anymore.

We get together on the Christmas break, eat a good dinner, and hang out. That’s it. Minimal stress and they help with clean-up.

By: Jeri R

Jeri R — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:04:24 +0000

I, too, felt sad when our Waldenbooks closed. It had been a part of our town for years. The staff was always knowledgeable and helpful (in a non-condescending way!) But much to my happy surprise, the manager became the librarian at our local library! I was so glad for her, and I get to keep my book chatting friend.

As for gift cards, it seemed that my aunt and I used to just trade BAM cards. But it was really an excuse to go to the store together as we looked at all the lovely books. I’ve started the tradition with my own nieces so when they visit, we go spend the gift cards together.

By: Renee

Renee — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:03:22 +0000

Great post, Maggie. I, like you, did not see the writing on the wall. I am from Chicago and we had a bookstore years ago called Kroch and Brentano’s. They were a precursor to Borders and Barnes and Nobles and I could have cried when they closed their doors. I thought it was a fluke; I did not realize it was the wave of the future.

Question for the Borders folks, do you think the same will ultimately happen to Barnes and Noble or do you think they will be successful because they have been more proactive with the Nook?

By: lauren

lauren — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:44:26 +0000

Sadly my favorite used book store that has been in business for 34 yrs is going out of business…I refuse to pay full retail at the BIG stores and my last “retail” vestige is 1/2 Price Books or Amazon used. I have over the last year or so begun to patronize the library more and more as its quite affordable and between the independent library and my local county chain I usually find what I want.
Its sad that bookstores are closing and people are losing their jobs…but my finances have changed and I must adjust and I am not alone…its the classic, damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

By: Maria D.

Maria D. — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:57:50 +0000

Veronica: Great post, Maggie. The blame goes all the away around- mismanagement, snobbiness, greed, and shoppers not seeing the writing on the wall. We’re encouraging the kids to buy fewer things of higher quality at local places (as long as the staff are good )

That's great and I'm trying to do the same! And yes, a store's staff really can make a difference!

By: Veronica

Veronica — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:11:16 +0000

Great post, Maggie. The blame goes all the away around- mismanagement, snobbiness, greed, and shoppers not seeing the writing on the wall. We’re encouraging the kids to buy fewer things of higher quality at local places (as long as the staff are good )

By: dick

dick — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:50:17 +0000

I’ve lived for over four decades in a small town which over the years lost shoe stores, clothing stores, all but one grocery, and the most dire of all, three lumber/hardware businesses. I had to drive 16 miles to get a particular size screw or bolt or a two by four.
Things are looking up though. The local Roman Catholic church and a home for the developmently disabled are re-opening a hardware store.

By: AAR Sandy

AAR Sandy — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:35:01 +0000

Well said, Maggie. Christmas shopping is certainly going to be different this year.

By: Charlotte McClain

Charlotte McClain — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:15:58 +0000

I worked at Borders for 10 years before leaving to teach English overseas. During the time I worked there, my family counted on me to get them books for all occasions and Borders, bless their hearts, gave employees a 40% discount for a short period before Christmas as well as a monthly book credit for full time employees (at least when I worked there.) It was wonderful.

Lucky for me, I got out before the roof caved in, but we all knew it was coming. I hated seeing my friends looking for jobs. The store I worked at closed almost 3 years ago now. One of my life dreams was to have a photo of myself standing on the information desk holding my book. The author copy of my book arrived the very week the store was closing. With some subterfuge, I managed to get that photo, but it’s bittersweet.