Several years ago, a new Chapters store opened up in my neighbourhood. It was wonderful to have a huge bookstore so close to home. I would walk there frequently and it quickly became my go-to store for buying books and magazines. Since it is a Canada-wide chain, my grandchildren often received Chapters gift cards as Christmas and birthday presents.
Do you see the big BOOK on the sign? Does this tell you something? Do you get the idea that they sell BOOKS?
However, something has gone wrong. Over the last few years, it seems as if books and magazines are becoming a less important part of Chapters’ inventory.
A few days ago, I went to my local Chapters store with three of my daughters. Here are just a few of the items that occupied probably more than half of the store’s space.
- Office furniture and supplies
- Blankets and throws
- Dishes
- Jewellery
- Baby and children’s toys
- Christmas trees and decorations
- Chocolates and candy
- Scarves and wraps
- Candles
- Lego sets
- Gift wrap and bags
- Games
- Home décor
- Nail polish
- Baby clothes
- Stuffed animals
- Handbags
When I go to Chapters, I want to buy books and magazines. I don’t mind them selling Kobo e-readers and accessories, because at least it has something to do with reading. But those other items – not so much.
The shelves holding books on Art , Computers, Science, and many other genres have been greatly reduced. It’s getting more and more difficult to find what I am looking for in-store. I can order books on-line from Chapters, but there is just something so cosy about browsing through a bookstore to see what’s new and interesting.
Chapters, you’ve done me wrong. And it’s really disappointing. But I still love you … for now.
Thanks for reading. – Maureen
Old Girl New Tricks 
We have Barnes and Noble here. I just love to browse but it gets harder to find titles I want. They also have a “gift” section but no furniture. At least not yet!
Well, the furniture is available only on-line, but the display still takes up a good deal of “book space”. – Maureen
This is so true in many bookstores. While I like looking at little trinkets and so on, I go to a book store to look at books. Another thing I have noticed, much to my dismay, is that there are more horror and witchery type of books and less good reading. The shelves of weird paranormal outshines great literature! Sad! Can’t say I still love a place like that myself. Great post! Helen
Sent from Our Bermuda Home
Good reading is what it’s all about. That’s what we’re looking for. – Maureen