“We’re hoping people whose curiosity is piqued by the new Barnes and Noble will walk down the street,” a book store owner said, “and pop into our bookstore.”

Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, often hears people express sympathy for her role, assuming bookstores are disappearing.

Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, often hears people express sympathy for her role, assuming bookstores are disappearing