I left the office today hoping to buy A. S. Byatt's latest novel from my favorite quaint bookshop, A Different Bookstore, when I noticed that it has closed. I didn't even see a sign that they're renovating, so I'm assuming that another small bookshop bit the dust.
I'll miss A Different Bookstore. They had titles that I didn't find in Manila's big chain bookstores. So now I'm asking myself if I bought enough books from this branch to keep it from closing. Well, apparently I did not.
I love small bookshops. Their books may cost more than those from large retain chains, but nothing beats their homey feel. They even take the time to text and email their loyal customers about promos and new titles. Also, I recall the sales staff at A Different Bookstore engaging me in lively conversation. They really know their books.
28 comments:
So the one in Greenhills is the only remaining Different Bookstore? I hope they don't close as well. :(
Oh, I don't know about that. I hope that they've just relocated. Again.
That is always sad to see a small business go under. I do the same thing and ask myself "why i didn't shop there more"?
Hi, Diane. It's just so heartbreaking.
So sorry to hear about your bookstore. I'm sad to say I don't even know any small bookstores in my part of the world (how pathetic is that?).
Hi, Amanda! Nope, that's not pathetic at all. I must admit that I bought most of my books from big, chain bookshops.
It's always a sad thing when a bookstore closes. it stands for so many other sad things, people losing interest in books only one of them.
Hey, I don't even have a bookstore to go to where I live. Talk about really sad :(
awww. :(
well im crossing my fingers they just transferred location.
i am marooned on an island without any bookstores other than one big box bookstore and a post office. i find online bookstores (including abebooks.com) to be my online choice.
@lilly: Oh, that is sad. I'm guessing that you receive a lot of books by mail.
@eye_spy: I'm wishing that too.
@line of flight: I love abebooks too!
yes this is sad-for sure
Hello, Mel! If you haven't visited yet a branch of A Different Bookstore, you should. I think there's one in Greenhills.
It's awlways a sad day when a bookstore closes. The independents are more expensive but I agree that you cannot beat the warm, inviting atmosphere.
Hi, Ti! Thanks for dropping by!
I am sorry to hear about your book store. I have noticed our little stores are closing or they don't stay open in the evenings and have strange hours on weekends, which all the above makes it very very difficult for me to get there to purchase books (being I work mon-fri daylight and weekends are crazy with a kid, house that need tending to after a week and just life in general.) I hate to see the lovely little stores go away but they seem to be disappearing slowly.
Hi, Melissa! I know. I just wish that people would patronize little bookshops more.
Oh, no!
:( Now I am sad too.... I am thinking about the movie You've Got Mail when the big chain book store wiped out the little one.... the little ones are more personable and usually your book owners in the small ones know their books.
I dont know how many times I have walked into a bigger one and they do not know authors or titles...
That's so sad they closed. I expected they would as there seemed to be less and less books there everytime I went. Oh, I saw the Byatt book at Fully. I heard it's a drag though.
When I think about bookstores with character, the one in Paris always comes to my mind: "Shakespeare and company"
Located on left bank, near Notre Dame cathedral, is a bookstore and antiquary. It also has amazing events. I was happy to meet Dave Eggers there, and my adventure with his books started there ....
@StephanieD: Are you familiar with A Different Bookstore? They're a relatively newer bookshop as compared with National Book Store.
@bookjourney: I encounter the same problem with bigger bookshops.
@Something's Dishy: Hmmm... I'll check out Fully Booked. Thanks for the heads up!
@Mirek: Wow! David Eggers!
We had a couple of small independents and now they have both closed it is sad, they were the only shops where the people who worked there could actually talk to you about books. Your right when we can we should patronise those shops they are invaluable.
Hi, Book pusher. That is sad. I guess it all boils down to economics. They just can't compete with the larger bookshops out there.
I love boutique bookstores too. But you're right, they can't compete with the big stores in terms of pricing. Publishers give bigger discounts with bigger quantities purchased, which is why locally, National Bookstore (and Powerbooks, who used to join their purchases with National's when they were starting out) is able to sell new books cheapest. Notice how the prices at Fully Booked have become more competitive now that they've opened more branches - they can buy in bigger quantities now. The little stores, unless they sell only secondhand books or remainders, don't stand much of a chance. :(
Hello, Stepford Mum! It's sad is what it is.
are you referring to the branch at High Street, Taguig?
I love small book shops. I found one in a country town near the beach and it had EVERYTHING! They do feel quite homey to be in one, I love the smell of a bookstore! Very sad a small book store is gone, I suppose all the bigger branches are pushing them out of business.
@artseblis: Ay no. The one in Glorietta 4 near Food Choices.
@Pizza: Thanks for dropping by! You are so true. After all, at the end of the day, business is business.
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