Alternatives If Barnes & Noble were to continue as simply a traditional bookstore, it would be a dead end for the company. Just like automobiles replaced horse drawn carriages all those years ago, print converging into the digital world is an inevitable trend. Peter F. Drucker, a widely acclaimed management theorist, mentioned in his book, Management Challenge for the 21st Century, from the perspective of an enterprise, “Competition between enterprises today is not competition between products, but the competition between business models,” (1999). Therefore, the main concept for the alternatives for Barnes & Noble will revolve around the transformation of the company’s physical bookstores.
Location and Decoration The first step for Barnes …show more content…
Scenic areas near local parks or even small locations could be new choices to help create the oasis feel. Although this design may not be ideal in the United States, Exhibit 3 is an example of a tranquil bookstore titled “the loneliest bookstore in China.” Located in Beidaihe, Hebei province, this location is off the highway where there is no road for cars. The only way to get to this location is by walking on sand for about 10 minutes, but the view of the seashore is beautiful. The theory behind this bookstore concept is to bring consumers into scenic areas that are inviting that would attract new customers and …show more content…
Bookstores should serve as leisure places for consumers; books may be the reason consumers visit the store, but the real profit comes from consumption in coffee, food, and other services during the consumer’s visit. The most common model used in bookstores is to introduce a café that provides beverages and simple bakery items for consumers. This will not only help generate additional sales for the company, but it will also extend the time customers stay in the store, which may increase their willingness to buy books and other products. One example of this concept is Taylor Books, an independent bookstore in Charleston, WV (see Exhibit 4). Barnes & Noble could also increase its comic book products and other unique items that have greater profit margins. Barnes & Noble already sells toys, games, collectibles, CDs, and DVDs related to Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the Museum of Modern Art in select stores and on the company’s website. In addition, the company could introduce items for tourists such as maps, postcards, and handmade or artisan crafts designed by local independent
Location and Decoration The first step for Barnes …show more content…
Scenic areas near local parks or even small locations could be new choices to help create the oasis feel. Although this design may not be ideal in the United States, Exhibit 3 is an example of a tranquil bookstore titled “the loneliest bookstore in China.” Located in Beidaihe, Hebei province, this location is off the highway where there is no road for cars. The only way to get to this location is by walking on sand for about 10 minutes, but the view of the seashore is beautiful. The theory behind this bookstore concept is to bring consumers into scenic areas that are inviting that would attract new customers and …show more content…
Bookstores should serve as leisure places for consumers; books may be the reason consumers visit the store, but the real profit comes from consumption in coffee, food, and other services during the consumer’s visit. The most common model used in bookstores is to introduce a café that provides beverages and simple bakery items for consumers. This will not only help generate additional sales for the company, but it will also extend the time customers stay in the store, which may increase their willingness to buy books and other products. One example of this concept is Taylor Books, an independent bookstore in Charleston, WV (see Exhibit 4). Barnes & Noble could also increase its comic book products and other unique items that have greater profit margins. Barnes & Noble already sells toys, games, collectibles, CDs, and DVDs related to Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the Museum of Modern Art in select stores and on the company’s website. In addition, the company could introduce items for tourists such as maps, postcards, and handmade or artisan crafts designed by local independent