Record stores are already a thing of the past in my life. We have one indie record shop in Athens (that actually sells records along with CDs. And comix. With extremely apathetic, condescending staff, unless you're maybe a known musician.) But the chain stores are gone. Until fairly recently - like 5 years ago? Maybe? - Border's had a music section and a listening station at the customer service desk, and I used to LOVE sampling CDs. I bought more music then, too. We used to have several excellent independent new & used bookstores, but there's shocking little remaining in this college town. Jackson Street Books downtown is excellent, huge range of used books - no place to sit and read them, though. And then there are used books in various places, like thrift shops and coffee shops, here and there. I've fantasized about opening a bookstore too, but I'm not a business person either. I'd have to be so rich I could just support it myself. So maybe if I win the lottery one day. . .
I'm not shocked about HMV at all - they (at least round here) have got really really REALLY crap, and online competition isn't an excuse. Overpriced, badly laid out, surly staff. Tried to find games for kids just after Christmas and it was impossible to find anything and the staff weren't fussed - found what we wanted in the end and they wanted £30 for an old game that you could get for under a tenner online, not a minor difference at all.
I will be sad to see Waterstones go though, they've got a really good children's section and a decent range of stock and actual customer service.
Now that I know (via Nancy) that Wal-Mart sells books, it's likely the demise of the indie book stores for sure. In the States, Barnes & Noble is quite healthy...and it sounds like Borders as well, based on Nancy's boo.
I will be sad to see Waterstones go though, they've got a really good children's section and a decent range of stock and actual customer service.