Independent booksellers face plenty of competition from national chains and the Internet, but a new kind of hybrid store might offer a model that Amazon can never replicate: bookstore bars. Niamh Ni Mahoileoin writes over at ZY that successful bar-bookstores tap into their local communities, becoming partners in neighborhood life:
Events are also essential to the bookstore bar model, establishing them as vibrant community spaces rather than straight retail operations. Some offer live music and organized book clubs, while Elements’ “Meet the Brewers” is particularly popular with customers who come to sample beer made by local craft breweries and coffee from area roasters.
3 responses
yuck
I think it’s a great idea. Anything that makes books and reading more fun, community-oriented, or even just a *little* flirty with debauchery is a good thing.
I don’t see how that could be a bad thing at all. I do love a glass of whiskey while I read a good book. So, I’m into that. Bookstores could also welcome in pop-up shops via Storefront or something similar to make use of their physical space.
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