Offline Shopping > Book Shops

Advantages: books
Disadvantages: other media forms

WHSmith is probably what could be described as a 'safe' high street store, you are only likely to go there if you know what you want, which is perhaps not the best formula for a successful high street competitor. Magazines and papers are stocked in a wide range of titles, so if you're looking for something specific they will be more than likely to stock it. Aside from this, DVD's, CD's, similar media forms are stocked at a limited range, where the ... Read review

Advantages: Everything.
Disadvantages: None.

What I like about Waterstones is the fact that I can find anything I want in there - whether it be an annual for a Christmas present, to a book on some obscure aspect of 17th century art. I like their layout, as everything is so easy to find. Everything seems to have its own little place, and even if you can't find it then the staff are more than happy to help you. They are so friendly and passionate about their jobs, even during busy periods or ...
...only be found in southern Brazil! If they don't have the book in stock then 99.99% of the time they can order it for you, as they have an extensive library of order firms. Their value for money is also good, as they seem to sell their books at just the right prices. I have had to buy a lot of specialist nursing books for my course, and not only did they have them in stock but quite reasonably priced considering what they were all about. They also ... Read review

Advantages: A quiet haven on a busy high street. Its a bookshop.
Disadvantages: Don't always have what I want in stock. Not the cheapest books.

Ottakar's began in 1987 when its current Managing Director, James Heneage, realised that there might be an opportunity to establish a chain of bookshops offering high levels of range and service across the market towns of England. A big fan of Hergé's Tintin books, the name Ottakar's came from the book James was reading at the time - King Ottokar's Sceptre. Ottakar's is a haven, a sanctuary from the noise and bustle of the high street. When it all ...
...and relax. The shop is clean and has an enchanting aroma of new books and with its well-organised shelving books are easy to find. The staff are cheerful and friendly, smart and competent. I shopped there before Christmas and came away with a good selection of pressies and a couple of books for myself. I pop in at least once a fortnight for books for my little boy, they have a very good childrens section. They are not as cheap as Amazon (well who ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent range of popular books at very cheap prices
Disadvantages: Hardly any academic or specialist books

Sussex Stationers has a large number of stores around the South East, offering large discounts on a wide variety of books. It is almost definitely the cheapest bookshop on the high street (other than discounted shops). If you want a book that is widely available, but at a very competitive price, than find your nearest Sussex Stationers. However, here is the rub. If you are after academic books, then you will be pushed to find what you are looking ...
...problem is not unique to Sussex Stationers. Most high street bookshop chains have a very poor selection of academic books. Even Borders does not have that good a selection. But if you are looking for popular books, this is the place. On another point, Sussex Stationers also sells a good selection of stationery, again at competitive prices. Most of these are at reduced cost compared to other stores. Overall, this is the place I go to first of all ... Read review

Advantages: Huge selection of books, nice layout, friendly staff, seating available, cafe upstairs.
Disadvantages: Items are sold at RRP and no attempt is made to compete with online retailers.

...review is based around the BORDERS store at Teesside Retail Park. Although based on my rare visits to other branches I have notices that most factors are consistent. -Shop- Teesside Retail Park's branch, like many of the other BORDERS stores, plays host to a coffee shop; in this case, Starbucks. The cafe is positioned on the second floor directly above the entrance. This is so you can be lured in and enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly brewed ...
...in the first place. BORDERS also sell other things too such as a small range of DVDs and CDs, collectibles, stationary and gift products; these items are generally of a very good quality, but at the same time they are also generally quite expensive. -Conclusion- BORDERS sells thousands of books and the logical layout makes each of them easy to find. The staff seem genuinely helpful. Seating and a Starbucks cafe are available which is a nice touch. ... Read review