lored caverns, especially upstairs where the lighting was dimmer. The numerous old couches, chairs, and lounging chaises felt like secret mossy patches where one could settle down with any number of reasonably priced books--some new, some used-- and get lost for hours. It is easy so see how such a whimsical establishment has maintained its popularity for the last 40 years.This particularly seems to be thriving, even in the changing marketplace. After my visit (in which I purchased a new copy of The Hunger Games and a used copy of Reading Lolita in Tehran in remarkably good condition), I checked out their website to see if it might provide some insight into their continuing success. In addition to many of the standard information (i.e., promotion of book clubs, author events, and bookstore memberships), I found a number of features hinting that the Tattered Cover has its eye on the horizon.
For example, the bookstore apparently provides a service in which students may rent textbooks for a fraction of the list price. This is an impressive tactical approach considering textbooks, which are often large reference books filled with visual data, may be some of the last which will experience full electronic conversion. Even more interesting, the Tattered Cover homepage boldly advertises that they have partnered with Google, providing their customers with "the most flexible way to buy eBooks." Tattered Cover patrons can search the Google ebook library without ever leaving the bookstore's website.
Being receptive to the growing digital market while still meeting the demands of traditional book buyers puts the Tattered Cover in an excellent position to continue to profit. Additionally, I encourage you to follow the store on Twitter and Facebook, or through their blog, Between the Covers.
