[sparklite2]

By doing this, Amazon...
encroaches on competing brick and mortar turf

by embracing property taxes, sales taxes,  & depreciation?

establishes pickup options

pickup can't get any easier than Kindle

lowers shipping costs

only applies to in-stock items.  inventory carrying costs

builds local mini warehouses

decentralization adds people, payroll cost

enables physical browsing

already have "see-inside" online

facilitates "one hour" shipping

can't be any faster than Kindle.

[Rome2000]

Bezos is just trying to discombobulate the public so when all of the real bookstores close, he can then say he had skin in the game too and avoid blame.

Was in Barnes and Noble yesterday, what a fantastic place.

Lots of great products, just don’t see enough customers to make these cathedrals to knowledge and beauty profitable.