[cabo35]

About two weeks ago, I heard a rumor that Barnes and Noble in Lake Sumter may close and be replaced by the fitness group that runs the big facility in Spanish Springs. The name escapes me at the moment...senior moment that is. I hesitated to inquire on TOTV because it didn't have the ring of believability given the constant parking lot and pedestrian traffic at B and N. Further, I did not want to perpetuate a possible rumor. Barnes and Noble is my favorite store and I guess I was like the kid who asked Shoeless Joe Jackson... "say it ain't so, Joe", a reference to Shoeless Joe Jackson being asked by a youngster if he was involved in the fixing of the 1919 World Series otherwise known as the Chicago Black Sox scandal.

I recently heard the rumor again. Different source. I found this August 4th article on line.

Barnes and Noble bookstore chain put up for sale

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010...noble-for-sale

More of the same......http://www.thestreet.com/story/10826...an-happen.html

I am old enough to understand that 2 + 2 = 4.......sometimes. I searched TOTV for posts on B and N closing but got no matches. Can anyone add to the information with facts about a possible closing in the Villages. I hope someone can debunk it. Any thoughts?

[jtdraig]

Can't be sure because the chain is in trouble and given the onerous rental/profit arrangements that the Developer puts on the retain stores, anything is possible.
Personally, I make it a point to support them and am there often. I guess I would be somewhat surprised if they did shut down.

[Bucco]

I also hope it is not true CABO. It is my wife and I's favorite place for sure.

I read in the NYTIMES today that the voting appears to be complete for control of the board and the founder group seems to have won that. They are soliciting for buyers and the way it reads there are many possibilities.

Warren Buffet wrote in his column that they may have to go the way of Blockbuster...ie. bankruptcy for protection and then shrink. They have already begun to close those sites that are duplicates, as in NYC where there are a number of them in close proximity.

It appears that most investors feel they have not kept up in the area of electronic reading...which I dont like at all !!!

In any case, you might find today's TIMES of interest on this subject !

[njbchbum]

i googled 'barnes and noble store closing' and got scads of hits...this one made it look like a better than even chance it could be true...http://www.costar.com/News/Article.a...FC5F147191AD96...maybe your resources are generalizing based on similar stories in print.

if they do - where will all the conservatives go to promote the sale of their books!?!

[cabo35]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

i googled 'barnes and noble store closing' and got scads of hits...this one made it look like a better than even chance it could be true...http://www.costar.com/News/Article.a...FC5F147191AD96...maybe your resources are generalizing based on similar stories in print.

if they do - where will all the conservatives go to promote the sale of their books!?!

I agree about the generalizing but they both spoke of the fitness group taking over the building. I don't know whether the speculation has them moving from Spanish Springs or in addition to Spanish Springs....if the information is credible.

Bucco....thanks for the Times lead

[Tom Hannon]

A shame how the book industry has faded away. I would think, being a different generation with people retired in TV- people would have more time to read a good book. I used to be a facilitator of a creative writers group at a B&N in NY and they did everything possible to accommodate me and my members. Yes, the electronic age (digital and audio books) might save a few trees, but there is nothing like holding a book in your hand. Let us hope the rumors about B&N's demise is just that....a rumor.

[Talk Host]

I personally find it much easier to locate a book at Amazon.com that than at Barnes and Noble. I could never figure out how it's efficient to allow people to read books in the store (sometimes sitting on the floor in the aisle). If you read what you need in the store, then you don't have to buy the book.

[Tom Hannon]

This is true, TALK HOST. But if the book stores are not in business, what will happen to the future of books?

[Army Guy]

Let me first say the wife & I LOVE to shop at B&N, and go everytime we are down and are members of their frequent buyer club, BUT, Guess I for one am the only one who would Love to see MVP put another club in it's location. That is one shortfall that I have noted before about TV, the number of gyms. The problem will only get worse as we (the wave of baby boomers currently moving into TV) become more numorous. Most of us are very into keeping in shape etc, so 4 or even 5 gyms for 104,0000 when built out, is not going to even come close to what is needed.

Army Guy

[jannd228]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

This is true, TALK HOST. But if the book stores are not in business, what will happen to the future of books?

HG Wells, talking rings, actually I think books and paper are being replaced by digital alternatives, as a former English teacher I think it is sad

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

This is true, TALK HOST. But if the book stores are not in business, what will happen to the future of books?

I buy "books" from Amazon.com. It is an alternative (competition) to Barnes and Noble. I never buy digital books always hard copies.

[memason]

This really bites about B&N. I love going to their store and browsing. The reality is, business's like B&N need to embrace the electronic age, if for no other reason than to "subsidize" their physical presence. Their current business model is not going to sustain them, long term.

Frankly speaking, I seldom purchase a physical book. Even if I find something at B&N, I download it electronically and read it on the iPad. Some school districts are already testing the usage of electronic readers to replace the traditional textbook... Times... they are a changin'

I hope B&N can adjust and survive!

[Tom Hannon]

As a published author, I found the royalties on my book were higher when sold as an

E-book rather than the 225 page 6X9 paper model.

I like to use the Barnes & Noble membership coupons to get deep discounts on various books. I go to the Sumter Landing B&N a few times a year to buy books at sometimes at a 40% discount with a 15% discount on top of the 40% but taken on the 40% discounted price.

I try to use the actual store rather than the online version because of the Shipping and Handling.

For online purchases, I like United Kingdom's The Book Depository as they do not charge any Shipping and Handling (from the U.K. too). In addition, the Book Depository has deep discounts on many books and other items. http://www.bookdepository.com/

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

As a published author, I found the royalties on my book were higher when sold as an

E-book rather than the 225 page 6X9 paper model.

Tom, Please tell us what your book is called.

I try to stay out of book stores. If I didn't have self control we would be penniless. I hate that the future is going to do away with libraries and book stores and books on shelves and on the coffee tables of the world. I love them.