Robin's closing

[eldondre]

Philadelphia's Robin's Bookstore is closing its doors | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/29/2008

[Hospitalitygirl]

It's sad really, when a venerable business such as this closes up, and yet people clamor for bookstores,when what they really want is libraries with cafes. It's too bad.

The comments at the end of that article are ridiculous in that people talk about how sad and how sorry Philadelphia and indeed America are, for the closings of bookstores. But this is less about anti-intellectualism than it is commerce and the cheapest price, with a helping of ease thrown in for good measure. The big chains were the first part of the equation in the mass undoing of these independents. But the internet was ultimately the demise of so many. Nearly anything can be found through the internet. Even if some of us prefer bricks and mortar. Sadly we seem to be in the minority.

[Scoats]

This is indeed a shame, but I guess inevitable. Robins Books was one of our city's little treasures. I really admire how Mr. Robin is attempting to transition his business into the Internet age as a salon. He continues to be a leader and innovator.

It's not just lowest price and that Amazon replaced book stores as a source of book purchases, but that the always-on Internet has greatly decreased our need for books. Who needs an out of date hard copy collecting dust on your shelf when up to date info is out there on the Web?

[niel]

It's sad. If Robins were the only decent independent bookstore in town it'd be a lot sadder, but there are a number of other good stores, and there've been some new openings in recent years too. I think Philly's independent bookstore scene is reasonably healthy, certainly compared to a lot of other parts of the country.

[eldondre]

The comments at the end of that article are ridiculous in that people talk about how sad and how sorry Philadelphia and indeed America are, for the closings of bookstores. But this is less about anti-intellectualism than it is commerce and the cheapest price, with a helping of ease thrown in for good measure. The big chains were the first part of the equation in the mass undoing of these independents. But the internet was ultimately the demise of so many. Nearly anything can be found through the internet. Even if some of us prefer bricks and mortar. Sadly we seem to be in the minority.

even the chains are struggling with the internets. there just isn't the same demand for books. and let's face it, Borders IS a better bookstore and it's close by. If I lived in a neighborhood, the closest store woudl always be my first option. East of broad, they are close together...Robin's selection really wasn't that great. the last great independent was gene's. things do change and it's interesting that you mention coffee shops, as they have a long history (as do taverns) of being havens for thought. I think it's only sad in two ways, one it marks the passing of an era (in and of itself, that's not really bad) but second, Robin's was committed to center city even in tough times. that's why I think it's sad, though had he let his business evolve he might still be open. let's face it, these folks want red emma's.