When the Internet first became a big thing and online e-commerce started to take off, analysts predicted the end of book stores.

Many people lamented that brick and mortar stores would disappear and it would take a significant artistic element out of our culture. We would gain better prices and accessibility, but lose another arena where people can interact in real-time with other people that share their passions and dreams. Innovation was altering humanity for the worse and the end of books stores was the proof.

Small bookstores and cafes would be obsolete and there would be no place for them in the future of retail.This landscape would be leaner and lighter and the number of players would shrink.  Comic book shops would be a thing of the past. Chains would no longer be needed and people would just shop from their home. Right?

 What is interesting is that book stores are not going the way of the dodo. In some over serviced areas, there has certainly been a reduction depending on demographics. In others, book stores and cafes are doing quite well. They have evolved. Some function well as gathering places and points of destination where people can congregate together to share their love of books, eclectic novelties, and just chill. Another surprise is that readers of digital books are not converting to one sole medium. There is crossover. And among age groups there is actually a preference for physical media instead of the e-book.

Curious about some of these trends, a few patrons from books stores were sought out and asked why not go digital and leave this behind?

Why do you shop at bookstores instead of online?

I shop online too to be honest. If I need a textbook, I go online since it is so easy to enter the ISBN and search for it in the catalog.

I like people. It sounds weird. Many people hide and do not want to deal with people. I like to meet up with people who share my love of books, old records, and refreshing beverages with snacks.

There are great deals in the used section. Plus, e-books are not that much cheaper than physical ones. Why save money on it if I cannot own it?

So does everyone here shop online?

(Everyone raises their hand although one does so reluctantly)

If e-books were cheaper would you still shop in person? What about E-Pub? What makes a café special?