Seems the initial thought, to turn the Super Bookstore into a sort of community gathering place with a bunch of books in it, with comfortable seating that encourages browsing (what we scientists call a “library”) might not have been so well thought-through. It has encouraged people to browse instead of buy, and has provided a refuge for homeless people. Some people, in addition, seem to be leaving trash around the seats, spilling their coffee on them, and, uh, leaving behind some sort of unsavory problems related to personal hygeine.
Of course, it also appears to take space away from actual product. I know I should support my local Tiny Bookstore, but I do love getting a coffee and browsing through the books in a comfy chair. But I can see the logic of removing those chairs. by replacing the comfortable seating with bookshelves, the Superstores could have room for more Harry Potter novels. Or the latest book from Crichton, King, or Grisham.
Or… mine?
