A recent column by The New York Times’ David Leonhardt spells out Barnes & Noble’s all-too-familiar litany of problems: Plummeting Nook and online revenue, declining business at stores, staff layoffs. The death of Barnes & Noble is now plausible, he argues, recalling the implosion of Borders in 2011. Leonhardt says decades of government policy allowing technology giants like to resemble monopolies is to blame here. Amazon is rich enough to deeply discount books to undercut its rivals. It cares about efficiency, not literacy.
It would be a huge blow to book lovers everywhere if Barnes & Noble goes out of business. Like we’ve seen with other big mall chains, I think the most likely outcome is a severe reduction in the number of stores and smaller store footprints. (There’s no need in 2018 to have DVD/CD departments in their stores, for instance. A few tables with vinyl records for the hipsters is fine, though!) It’s heartening that independent bookstores seem to be gaining traction and finding their voice in communities. Here’s hoping Barnes & Noble can find a way to do the same.
B&N needs to look in the mirror to determine who they want to be. They’re not a technology company (kill the Nook), media store (remove CD/DVD section) nor a Starbucks distribution center (end SB relationship). They would be much better off significantly lowering their brick and mortar footprint and partner with local coffee shops to create a more ‘local’ feel. That and about 4 bucks will get you a SB coffee!
You should be CEO!