The future?
Below is taken verbatim from American self-help person Seth Godin's blog, thought it had resonance with various discussions that have been going on in this wee corner of blogdom. Or is it just stating the bleedin' obvious? We've got one of these places nearby, but it's run by two very surly ladies who seem to resent their clientele openly. They dare you with their eyes not to buy their books.
Books you don't need in a place you can't find
David points us to the Montague Bookmill. This is the bookstore of the future, because it's not a business trying to maximize growth and ROI. No, it's a place, an attitude, an approach to an afternoon. They don't sell every book, they don't even pretend to.
Just as vinyl records persist, an object of joy for some listeners and a profitable cottage business for some sellers, bookstores are going to become like gift stores. The goal isn't a commodity transaction with maximum selection at minimum price, the goal is an experience worth seeking out and paying for.
We're going to see more and more of these newly archaic industries turn into lifestyle businesses, which is what they used to be before Wall Street showed up.
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