Do ya' think opening a bookstore specializing in Crime Fiction makes sense?

[B.R.Stateham]

We hear all kinds of stories about bookstores, publishers, etc., pulling the shades and locking their doors permanently. So does it make sense for anyone to even consider opening a bookstore that would specialize in a particular genre? (for me, I'm thinking Detective/Mystery and anything directly related to it).

Would something like this have even a ghost of a chance to survive? would it have to be a brick-and-mortar store? Or do you think it could work just on the web? (of course, all of this is speculative. Finding start-up money would be just an ever-so-slight problem).

But still, it's an interesting idea.

[I. J. Parker]

But San Francisco is gorgeous -- one of the great cities of the world.

[Neil Nyren]

As others have noted, there are plenty of stores that specialize only in crime, and most of them combine bricks-and-mortar with a booming direct-mail and online business. There are also many sf/fantasy specialty stores around the country, and I know of stores that specialize just in cookbooks/culinary arts and in travel.

[John McFetridge]

Yeah, I'll be there.

It really is a lot of fun.

[Jon Loomis]

Indie's about seven hours... Hmmmm....

[B.R.Stateham]

The 'll one in St. Looie will be the closest for me.

[Jon Loomis]

I'm putting all my money in whiskey and dynamite, just in case. You going to B-con, brother John?

[John McFetridge]

Well, in 2010 it's in san Fransisco and 2011 will be St. Louis, either of those any better?

Many of the other conventions are also really good. Left Coast Crime will be in LA in March, 2010, I'd like to go to that.

[B.R.Stateham]

Brother John, wished I could.

[John McFetridge]

Hey B.R., youshould come to Bouchercon this year and talk to the booksellers in the dealer's room.

Well, I think you should come to Bouchercon anyway, it's always a good time.

Check it out:
http://www.bouchercon2009.com/

[John McFetridge]

Sleuth of Baker Street in Toronto specializes in crime fiction (and some true crime) and the owners tell me that their business os about half walk-in and half online. Every month the store puts out a very good newsletter full of new releases. They also have a lot of events at the store, book launches, readings and so on.

So, I would say, yes, there is a future for specialty bookstores but they may have to be a little more than just books on shelves.