Comments

1
Too bad, because one of the reasons I preferred EBBS over B&N was because of the used book store. It made up for the lack of new titles EBBS offered, and since they also bought back my books, it was a good way to lower the cost of buying new. Now I don't see any particular reason to go there.
2
This seems like a bad idea. And I think the way Powell's does it, mixing the stock together, works really well for the customer. Oh well.
3
Sweet.

More space for paperbacks and manga!
4
I'll miss the used book section, but this seems like an excellent way to help support their used-bookstore neighbors on the Hill.
5
Elliott Bay doesn't need used books, online sales, Twitter, Facebook, a blog, print-on-demand, or anything innovative or original. They have a gigantic parking lot.

Drive to Elliott Bay and buy your full retail price novelty books! 85 parking spots full of suburbanites buying new retail price Twilight books = $$$$$$$ profit! As long as SPD keeps the streets clear of the pedestrian fatalities from the confused elderly suburbanites in SUV's!
6
I think the problem for them was getting decent stock. If you don't have a VERY large stock, like Powells, and space to keep it, the used books can quickly turn into a graveyard of old crap no one wants. Actually, there's a pretty big graveyard at Powells, too, but the store is so large you don't notice it. Elliott Bay is tiny compared to Powells. Getting that mix of worthwhile stock, and keeping turnover going, is really hard for a used bookstore. You can see that in most used bookstores of the old style; I remember when Horizon on 15th went under, they had entire walls of stuff in sections like sociology that had all been there for twenty years.

The question of "how to save bookstores" is not an easy one. I don't know if he's doing to the right thing here or not; I hope so (I hate the move, but I don't want them to fail either).
7
#4: Their parking lot is validated. Don't you dare try to park in their parking lot and go to one of the other shops on Capitol Hill. Spend your money at Elliott Bay and go home. If you get confused and have to hit something, hit that new streetcar or a pedestrian. They just block the precious car traffic anyway.
8
I guess that means that I'm not hitting up EBBS. I was so excited they were moving down the street too.

I don't always go after the used book, but if I'm seeking out a classic, re-buying a book that has been lost or is falling apart, or just want to revisit a book from my past, I alway gravitate towards the used section. I often won't buy them unless I can get them used. What is the point in buying another new copy of Virignia Woolf or Christopher Isherwood? There are thousands of copies already lying around that are perfectly fine.

Bummer.
9
@ 1, I totally agree with that statement. At least B&N has a decent selection on new bargain books.
10
@9 - aren't they going bankrupt, tho?
11
Horizon Books is on the same street on the South side of E.Pike under Moe Bar (essentially). Go there and support Don. He has an amazing ability to remember what you are looking for and will track you down weeks later on the street with your request.
12
I was disheartened to see the liquidation sell on Monday as I knew it meant no used books at their new store. The used section is a huge part of why I go to EB and I am sad to see it die. I grabbed up Doctor Zhivago and Dodsworth (Sinclair Lewis) so I would have something good to remember it by once it's gone. May you rest in peace quaint used book section in the dim lit corner. I will think of you fondly.
13
I actually think this is a brave decision on Peter's part and I agree that it helps to support already existing Hill bookstores. I know it won't be very popular but, hey, he cxan always change his mind if it doesn't work out.

Selling new books and used books is like comparing apples and oranges - the business model and profit making are just two different animals. I think it's brave to focus on what you do best and what you love most. Now, will it be the right thing to do, economically? I don't know. But if it's not - they can change.
14
Each "revenue stream" comes with an associated "cost stream", which can turn into a flood of red ink that leads to a sea of losses. Whew I've run out of mixed metaphors...
15
I think it's a smart move - they never seemed to figure out how to make the used book section either profitable or particularly appealing. If they're not going to put the effort into doing it well, then it'll just continue to be a drain on their resources and a waste of their space. Also, I can't see them competing with the stock at the other Cap Hill used bookstores. You guys are lucky to have such great used bookstores in your neighborhood.
This move will help them focus on what they are good at.
16
Hey, Fnarf: "If you don't have a VERY large stock, like Powells, and space to keep it, the used books can quickly turn into a graveyard of old crap no one wants."

Sorta true, but from first-hand knowledge (both consulting for Powell's and as a 25-year customer of the store), it's about curating the purchasing of books for maximum turn on resale. Powell's has an exquisite wetware and database knowledge of what sells, and they buy accordingly. Buy books badly, and you don't get the turn.

Look at Ravenna Third Place Books. It's the best bookstore in Seattle for my money, and I go back there again and again partly just to look at what books the buyers thought made sense to buy (used and new). That's what Powell's brings to the party.

I don't disagree on the space premise, but you know that Powell's built up their operations enough they had to buy a huge warehouse (the Tombs? I forget what they call it) in which they stored (and may still) vast quantities of additional stock.

This is partly because of integrated retail and online plus used and new. It meant it was a bigger bookstore than its retail store long before the Internet came along, and the Internet just allowed them to do it better.

There's zero reason that a Seattle bookstore could do Powell's. It just takes smart, business-based decisions coupled with a great knowledge of the book industry and a love for books. Michael Powell is a weird, interesting man, but he brought incredible energy over decades to the hard, hard task.
17
Good. Used books stink.
18
They should keep the used book section. Please!!!
19
Oh, also, apparently they won't sell books online, either.

"Hey, so we're moving our bookstore to a place with parking, but we're perpetuating an already impossible atmosphere for independent booksellers to sell new books and stay in business by cutting off two of our three possible kinds of business. Also, we'll poke people in the eye who come in the store."

(Some claim that last was already happening.)
20
EBBS is living on borrowed time as it is.
21
EB will just be a more funky Barnes & Noble. Used books are the most interesting. They are a reason to visit a specific store, since every store has the same new books for nearly the same price. Used books are also, like used cars on a lot, the most profitable. Bye bye, EB, it's been nice knowing you.
22
That's unfortunate... I really only frequent used bookstores anymore. If I want new books I go to the internet where there are far fewer tiny aisles full of irritating people telling their girlfriend they don't want to look gay holding that Stephanie Meyer book.
23
paul, is there any truth to this no-books-online rumor @19? seems ridiculous.
while they're making changes, they should re-think their approach to human resources.
24
There's no truth to the rumor that Elliott Bay won't be selling books online. @9 B&N's bargain selection is terrible. Have you looked through Elliott Bay's bargain books—best selection anywhere.

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