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Article: Vroman's empire. (Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, CA)
- Article from:
- Los Angeles Business Journal
- Article date:
- September 7, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1998 CBJ, L.P. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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How does an independent bookseller compete with the likes of Barnes & Noble and Borders Books & Music?
If the independent happens to be the well-established Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, it expands its floor space, adds a cafe, bolsters its extensive gift offerings, and accentuates customer service.
It also focuses on something the giants can't do - responding to local customers' changing tastes. For example, when customers gave a lukewarm response to Vroman's bargain books section, the size of the section was reduced to make way for a "museum shop" with art and architecture-themed books and gifts.
"A small business can (respond) better than large ...