B&N has survived and even thrived because they embraced technology and the coming of the E-book. They accept and understand that there’s a market for BOTH e-books and “real” print books .. as well as an atmosphere to enjoy them in.

Borders buried it’s head in the sand and … well, you see what happened.

@Mary M – That would be a sad, sad day – but I don’t think that’ll ever happen. We still go to stores for other things that are cheaper online :) And also, this falls under “pleasure” so as long as people still enjoy going to book stores, they shouldn’t disappear totally. Although then MY future book store will be more popular, haha…
@No Debt MBA – Wow, yeah – that would be harsh. Especially since not everyone a) uses computers as much as we do, and b) don’t even like reading on electronics – I don’t! I gladly pay money to hold it and read it/mark it up/fold the pages – esp magazines. I know they’re free online, but it’s not as fun (for me).
@Jill Palmer – Haha, yes!!! I like that.
@Miriam – I think that Starbucks/B&N partnership is crazy strong… it fits well. (and their colors even match!)
@Jane Squared – Oh cool, thanks – will check out as soon as I post this :)
@Julie @ The Family CEO – Haha, yeah me too. Why can’t they operate to just give us free places to hang out?? :)
@lorakathleen – Well that’s good! You are all set if stores start shutting down since you have so many! Wanna switch? :)
@Jerret – I would LOVE that. Nothing would please me more in the bookstore world!
@Melissa – Yup, for sure. Maybe like Jerret suggested above, MORE mom & pop stores will now open up??
@Money Beagle – Oh wow, yeah I bet! You were there from the beginning, that’s a shame :(
@Ginger – Yeah, that’s what I keep finding out as I read on… I still can’t help but be upset though – it still means I lose my favorite store in my area.
@Eric – Agreed!!
@Jen @ Master the Art of Saving – Haha, I get that sense too actually from Barnes & Nobile :) Sometimes at Starbucks too, but usually it depends on the areas I’m going to. The ones in the cities are always the worst in customer service, and the ones on the outskirts are better. But that’s just in general, I find, not specific to book stores/coffee shops.
@Edward Antrobus – How much time do you SPEND at that plasma center? haha… wow… you making a full-time salary of it yet? :)
@Barb Friedberg – Thank GOODNESS there are still other areas around, but man – just scary if you think about how any of them can go away w/out much control directly from us… at leats it was fun while it lasted :)