Top 10 Bookstores in the US
Reading books has been a hobby and a passion for many Americans for centuries. It is no surprise that there are over 29,000 bookstores from coast to coast. Bookstores are trying to keep up with the advancing technology and allowing readers to purchase and download books online. Some bookstores are only online, while others still offer readers the option of browsing for books in person.
Top 5 Traditional Book Stores
These stores have physical building locations across the United States. They may also have online access available to customers.
1. Barnes and Noble is the number one largest book store in the United States. It was comprised of many stores including the B. Dalton chain. Now, it has liquidated all small chains into one big chain that finds success throughout the world. Barnes and Noble has 717 bookstores in the US. It also services 637 colleges, which amounts to over 4 million students a year. Barnes and Noble has improved in popularity by joining forces with Starbucks. Customers can read books downloaded on an exclusive Barnes and Noble Nook and enjoy a frappuccino at the same time.
2. Borders operates 511 bookstores throughout the United States. Based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan this popular book store has seen success for many years. Recently, the company declared bankruptcy and will begin liquidating physical stores. They will still offer books and other materials for purchase online.
3. Books-A-Million, also known as BAM, has over 200 stores through the US and is the third largest bookstore in America today. BAM was founded in 1917 in Birmingham, Alabama and now works with a local coffee company, Joe Muggs Café, to provide food for customers when they visit the stores. BAM is also popular for their wholesale pricing and products.
4. Half Price Books is the largest family-owned book store in America. This store has found success in following their motto: “We buy and sell anything printed or recorded except yesterday's newspaper.” Half Price Book stores takes great pride in buying used books from local residents and providing reading materials to everyone in the community.
5. Harvard Book Store was family owned and operated for nearly 75 years before it was independently sold a few years ago to a couple in Massachusetts. This book store is one of the most popular books stores because of it’s location in Cambridge Square at Harvard University.
Top 5 Online Book Stores
These stores are limited to online sales only. Their only physical location may be a warehouse where books are stored.
1. Amazon.com began as an online book store in 1994 and is now the largest online retailer in the United States selling everything from books to electronics and food. Amazon sells almost anything you want to buy online.
2. Cheap Books.com has become a popular website for college student to buy and sell used text books. The site offers discounted books as well as music, computer software and other items important to the college-bound student.
3. Book Finder.com will search over 1.5 million books available for purchase online with one simple search. This is a popular site for people who do not enjoy shopping around at different online bookstores.
4. Abe Books.com has every type of book you can image. From children’s books to cookbooks and more, there is something online for every reader. This site also offers author signed books, a weird book room, author interviews and first edition books.
5. eBay.com is one of the most widely chosen sites for readers to buy inexpensive and rare books. Though eBay has auctions and buy-it-now items in a variety of categories, it is still one of the first online sites that readers will look to find the perfectly priced book for their enjoyment or collection.