I agree. All one needs is an internet connection to buy ebooks. That should be easy.
The bookstore experience has just gotten better and better — just not for selling books.
As you said, the books should be there for browsing and then buying online, either the eversion or paper.
I also think there should continue to be the bargain/remainder aisles. Everyone likes to pick up a physical book, especially coffee table type books, at a very low price. Every year for Christmas and birthdays, we buy our kids an interesting reference book out of the bargain bin — this year “Small Arms of the World,” for example. Believe or not, these books get used! But I would never pay “full” price for them.
The cafe and venue aspects should be focused on as the moneymaker. Some of the floorspace should be converted to a small enclosed venue with a stage and soundsystem where singer/songwriters and other performers can play shows for a small ticket price (much like some true coffeehouses). Also this venue could show films, classic, foreign etc.
Bottom line is these companies should realize they have a valuable asset in the bookstore experience for consumers, but they need to quickly figure out that they are not going to be able to depend on physical bookselling as a revenue source.
I have purchased MUCH more merchandise from B&N via my Nook than I ever did in brick & mortar. I’m on 8th book of the Wheel of Time series, and I have bought many more. The convenience of purchasing the next book within seconds of ending a book is a huge advantage. I hope B&N can keep their Nook business.