Bookshop Not Surprised by Borders' Bankruptcy

The general manager of the John Netzer is neither surprised nor disappointed at the recent news that competitor Borders has filed for bankruptcy.

"They were rescued a couple of years ago," said Netzer. "I'm not surprised, and I'm not disappointed."

"It's the nature of the book business," said Netzer. "Online businesses and chains have all been hurt as much as independent book stores. I know Barnes & Noble is struggling."

He said Amazon.com is the 800-lb. gorilla of book sellers and cannot be avoided.

"You have to have an online presence," he said. "It costs a lot of money and we get business, but Amazon seems to get most."

He said Borders "downsized" some years ago and sold off its WaldenBooks division.

"The writing was on thewall," said Netzer.

He'd like to think that he will pick up some additional customers that shopped at Borders, but he knows better.

"I won't shed a tear for them," said Netzer.

"That is the problem with all brick and mortar book stores," he said. "You depend on prople coming in the front door."

The Concord Bookshop has a lively newsletter, available here, that features events like authors' readings and other information on the website.

"You can download e-books from our site," said Netzer. He has an arrangement with the American Booksellers Association and Google that provides for the links.