I can't imagine a small bookstore being able to hold their own against a big chain. Their volume of book sales include on-line so they can keep their bookcosts low and reach millions of people a local book shop can't touch. But the cool thing about a small bookshop is your ability to create an inviting space and a level of customer service a huge business can't touch. Getting an email from Barnes and Noble about discounts sure lacks the warmth and appeal of walking into a local bookshop and being greeted by name from the clerk . For small business, it's all about the level of customer service you can provide. You'll get to know your patrons and can talk about what's new, what you think they'll like, what authors are comming to speak at your shop. Online bookstores are great, and big bookshops are fun but can easily be overwhelming. Small still has it's place.It will take heaps of hard work, research and dedication, creativity and lots of help but if that's what you love, and you have the money to give yourself a proper well planned start, do it! Like they say, "do what you love, the money will follow". Lots of Luck!

There is nothing that can compare to the feel of a smaller bookstore to a bibliophile like myself. You can choose to specialize in a genre (books on music only, sci-fi only) but you will have a hard hill to climb. I always wanted to do the same (so I can get big discounts on prices) haha. But seriously if you follow your dream, good luck!

This reminds me of the movie "You've Got Mail." :) But one thing to keep in mind is that while you are competing with the large chains, there will always be people who enjoy the smaller shops. A few key elements to consider: LOCATION: Don't put in a shop next to or even near one of the big chains...there is too much of a lure to the larger, often less-expensive stores. QUALITY: There are still people who will pay more for what they get. ATMOSPHERE: I find that the large chains tend to get a bit too "warehouse-y"...not much character to them or comfort. Also too busy... The main thing is to get an edge to your shop that those chains or anyone else doesn't have...the "likeability" factor in your marketing. I'm having the same qualms myself because I want to open a small coffee shop...and you can imagine the giant franchise that is Starbucks inhibits many from pursueing that! :) Good luck!

Just because you wouldn't be able to compete with the "big box" book stores doesn't mean you would be unsuccessful! Small bookstores are popular with bibliophiles, with people who prefer to shop locally to support local economy, with people who like a more personal touch when it comes to customer service, with people who are overwhelmed when they walk into the huge bookstores. You could help bring in more business by offering to let reading clubs meet in your store, offering story times for children, and having local authors speak and/or do book signings. I love small bookstores. Wish there were more in my area.

We have a small children's book store that is totally supported by our local neighborhood. They carry required reading for all of the middle schools and high schools in our district and allow schools to hold study nights, poetry readings and book clubs in the store. During the day, they have story times for the little ones. The customer service is outstanding. Even though they are a children's book store, they will order books for Hubby and I whenever we want. I think the secret to competing with the big chains is to not compete.

Yes. They say in business there are 3 important things: Location, Location, and Location. For bookstores, though, content is incredibly important, and so is display and atmosphere. Most small bookstores, however, are used books stores, either entirely, or mostly. AND the most successful ones are willing to order any book you want for you with no extra surcharge. The most successful small bookstore in my area does this, and has recently added business selling drinks and snacks. They have always let other groups, such as bookclubs, and exercise groups, reserve after hours times to meet, and when one of those groups is there, the bookstore is also open late. They used to be located in one of the local mini-malls, but their business has grown since they moved in a couple blocks from the library. (Go figure.)

THINK BIG!!