The author is viewing the world through their own lens. Amazon is killing retail bookstores, but not because of the Kindle.
1. Amazon is cheaper on new books. Any book you can get at B&N can be found at Amazon cheaper and with free shipping.
2. Amazon has a huge used book inventory (through 3rd party vendors). You can find a used version of just about any book from multiple vendors. It’s pretty common to find used books listed for under $1 plus shippping (about $5 total). I’ve purchased a lot of reference material that would have been out of my price range this way.
This setup has also given them an incredibly wide selection of used books. I’ve purchased several older reference books via Amazon that I literally couldn’t find any place else.
3. Amazon has a large, efficient print-on-demand service. They print their own versions of paperbacks, which eliminates inventory and allows them undercut their competition on prices.
4. Amazon (via CreateSpace) has become a real force in self published books (they also do music CDs and video DVDs).
None of this even takes into account any electronic versions.
very true indeed BrookH. I buy a few books from Amazon. I really do appreciate Amazon for both their price and the Amazon Wish List.
At least once a week, however, I like going to a brick and mortar supplier. I love the whole browsing aspect of that type of purchase.