I stopped in my local mega bookstore recently, and became puzzled as to what they are trying to sell. There in the corner was a small cafe serving small pastries and coffee whilst readers were sipping their warm java as they flipped pages of, no doubt, books that they had taken off the shelf. Now, I can understand that libraries are now cutting into this line of business by offering their own cafe on premises. In fact, our local branch even offers a cup of coffee as well where the strong savory smell permeates through every wing of our library. In that case, I can understand that the books are essentially free, so why not make some extra cash by pushing the liquid caffeine? But the primary source of revenue in a bookstore must be the books, right? So why do they encourage potential buyers to sit around and read their books without having to purchase them. In fact, don't they risk that the book reader may damage one of their publications by spilling their liquid gold on a brand new Stephen King book? Yes, one could argue that then the book store just made a sale, but realize that most in this situation may just quickly close the book and put it back on the shelf awaiting the next unsuspecting buyer? I also think asking people to come in and relax somewhat upsets the entire premise of the retail world. Turnover! Shouldn't customers come in and buy what they need and get the hell out so you can make more profit? Imagine if people lined up at the Infiniti dealer only to come in and sit in the car while drinking coffee without any intentions of buying? Why, not only would that discourage other potential buyers, the dealership would rarely have a car to test drive with all the homeless people squatting in their previously shiny and clean cars!
This insanity must stop! It's just so un-American! Now leave me alone while I head over to my Starbucks so I can use their Wi-FI connection.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
The local grocery store near my old place of employment adopted a similar business model; in fact, I used to go there for lunch. However, they did seem to discourage roaming the aisles for food to take back to the tables. Fortunately I was able to grab a handful of grapes, a couple of bites of apple and a loaf of french bread before they finally wrestled me down in the cereal aisle.
It would have been nice if they had a sign telling the customer they were restricted to only the prepared food area.
Be careful sampling the soylent green products at the end of the aisle.
This actually reminds me of the samples that they provide you at some stores. Some, like Sam's Club, provide you with a nice assortment of goodies. For example, I tasted frozen pizza, quiche wrap, shrimp hors doevre, cheesecake, and party weiners during a recent excursion. All very tasty. My only challenge is to be able to grab one without feeling guilty about having no intentions of actually purchasing the product. Besides having to work my way from the typical crowd that tends to congregate at such gatherings, I usually have to fight it out with a senior citizen or hyperactive child in order to get my valued sample.
To avoid the look of a cad, I usually try to ask a question to appear as a thoughtful buyer considering a purchase. I'll ask if these are on sale or make a favorable comment about the taste and fein surprise to find out how much more nutritious than the leading competitive product. Occasionally, I'll even pretend to pick up the product after asking where can I get my hands on a package or two. I'll even toss it into my cart only to get to checkout, and make some rambling comment about "those funny kids must have put this here as a joke" before I take it off the conveyor belt.
Meanwhile, I plot my next steps by donning my sunglasses as I repeat my rounds. Before you know it, I just had a 5 course meal with all the fixins!
Post a Comment