Bricks & Mortar Books
May 16, 2007 | By Raymond T. Hightower
A well executed bricks & mortar strategy can vanquish competitors, even in these web-centric days. Powell’s Books shows how.
Beyond Books
Powell’s CIty of Books isn’t just a book store. Powell’s is the largest independently owned bookstore on the planet. The store’s neighbors in Portland, Oregon express pride in the success of this family-owned & operated enterprise.
Part of their success lies in following their instincts and ignoring naysayers.
All on the Same Shelf
Powell’s sells both new and used books. In that respect it reminds me of a bookstore you might find on a college campus. The store sells new & used with a twist: Every edition of every book (whether new, out of date, used, or whatever) gets sold side-by-side on the same shelf.
Defying the Skeptics
Skeptics scoffed at Powell’s idea. They argued that people would never buy a new book if they could get a deal an old book sitting right next to it. Powell ignored the skeptics and pressed on. Over thirty years later, the store continues to grow, occupying an entire city block in downtown Portland.
What About Technology?
Yes, Powell’s has an online store. But that’s not the important part of this story. The success of Powell’s Books was planned long before the commercialization of the Internet. The online store merely complements a sound & effective business strategy. Information technology must serve business goals. Strategy first, technology second. Powell’s has it right.