2 To Ramble Can Bookstores Even Compete? | 2 To Ramble #282
Nov 14, 2025
Can physical bookstores thrive in a digital world? The hosts explore the rise and fall of Borders, highlighting its failure to adapt. They discuss Barnes & Noble's successful turnaround through local inventory strategies. The debate around BookTok's influence on sales reveals intriguing trends amidst the COVID-19 boom. Memorable bookstore atmospheres create essential experiences, suggesting that the love for physical books and unique shopping environments can keep bookstores alive against online giants.
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E-Books Hit A Practical Ceiling
- E-books plateaued around ~20% market share and haven't replaced physical books.
- Richard argues this shows a cap on digital adoption for reading formats.
Why Borders Failed
- Austin recounts Borders' decline from poor strategy and outsourcing online sales to Amazon.
- He highlights Borders' late entry to digital media and e-readers as fatal mistakes.
Localization Improved Barnes & Noble's Fortunes
- Barnes & Noble shifted to localized inventory control and staff-selected shelving.
- Richard links that strategy to improved sales via store-specific curation and inventory data.
