(pictured is Robin’s on 13th, just so there is no confusion)
Quite frankly, I am surprised that small bookstores in any proximity to larger retailers like B&N (as is the case of Robin’s on 18th) or Borders (as is the case of Robin’s on 13th) stay in business. I am all about the small, family owned… yadda, yadda. But the word today is browsing. And though I love Robin’s on 13th the selection is poor, if only because of the limitations imposed by a physically small store. (Their magazine section also sucks, but that’s a whole other story.) The whole lecture series that they host, among other events, is really smart, and it will be stuff like that that in the end will keep them rooted as a mainstay of the neighborhood or send them the way of the 18th st. store. I think the key is setting up shop away from competition from the big guys. Ever been to Bookhaven on Fairmount? Hands down the best bookstore in the city. But, because its in this residential area it is geographically buffeted from any competetion from B&N or Borders. Quality and location I think are key. The real question is when is Philly gonna get a larger independent bookstore, like the strand, that can go head to head with these bastards?
Oh, and everything is 60-80% off at Robin’s at 18th over the next 3 weeks or so.
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