What to do when Local venues have new owners/changed emphasis?
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1oregonobsessionz
I have been updating the info for Oregon venues. This economy has been brutal to small business owners. Unemployment in Oregon only recently dipped below 12%, so their customers haven't been as ready to spend (I’ll count myself among the newly frugal shoppers). Some bookstores with very long histories can no longer be found, but I am wondering what to do about those where the main focus appears to be changed.
For example, this venue is under new ownership since November 2009. Previously this was a bookstore that also offered antiques, but now it appears that they are primarily an antique store that happens to include books.
And this one, previously a bookstore with café, now appears to be a general tourist shop (candy, nuts, sweatshirts) with a few books.
Both were legitimate book stores at the time I added them, but I would not add venues like these if they weren’t already listed. OTOH, I hate to remove them and make it even harder for them to survive, especially when they are located in small communities with very few options. I have been surprised to see how often the LT Local listing appears near the top of a Google search for these small shops. When/if the economy improves, they may be able to build up their book inventories.
I would like to know what others are doing when you find these changes. Better yet, I would appreciate some guidance from Tim.
For example, this venue is under new ownership since November 2009. Previously this was a bookstore that also offered antiques, but now it appears that they are primarily an antique store that happens to include books.
And this one, previously a bookstore with café, now appears to be a general tourist shop (candy, nuts, sweatshirts) with a few books.
Both were legitimate book stores at the time I added them, but I would not add venues like these if they weren’t already listed. OTOH, I hate to remove them and make it even harder for them to survive, especially when they are located in small communities with very few options. I have been surprised to see how often the LT Local listing appears near the top of a Google search for these small shops. When/if the economy improves, they may be able to build up their book inventories.
I would like to know what others are doing when you find these changes. Better yet, I would appreciate some guidance from Tim.
2SqueakyChu
I think it would be appropriate to keep them on LT and include their history. People in search of books will still be able to locate books there and also know the history of the stores. Sadly, this will begin to happen more frequently. Obviously, if books are no longer sold in these store, they would no longer be appropriate for Local.
In addition, perhaps you can change their listing category from "bookstore" to "other". This will help in sorting and identification.
In addition, perhaps you can change their listing category from "bookstore" to "other". This will help in sorting and identification.
3oregonobsessionz
Good idea - I hadn't thought of that. If are able they go back to predominantly bookstore later on, they could be reclassified that way.
