To be honest, I’m not a big fan of chain bookstores. First off, my cousins own a large independent bookstore in Massachusetts, and, as expanded as commerce is good for them, my big “family discount” is safe. However, beyond my personal connections, I don’t really like the way that chain bookstores control access to titles, artificially control the bestseller lists, and squeeze out independent booksellers. Frankly, it just creeps me out.

That having been said, I kind of like Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS). They tend to have a good choice of bargain books, generally offer patrons some nice spaces to sit and read, and generally have a pretty broad choice. considering of that, I was a little alarmed as I watched their stock take

a little tumble that week. Based on its own predictions that that year’s profits will fall well short of forecasts, B&N experienced a 5% drop in value to $26.95. As of that writing, it’s currently trading at $26.26.

Part of that isn’t Barnes and Noble’s fault. First off, without a new Harry Potter book coming out that year, every bookseller is going to have massively diminished revenues. Additionally, I assume that book revenues will drop as many readers, facing diminished money for luxury expenditures, will rediscover the wonders of their local libraries.

Continue reading Barnes and Noble: Getting it from both sides

Original post by Bruce Watson

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