Bookstores close, but Amazon isn't the only culprit

The article argues that blaming Amazon for bookstore closures is simplistic. While digital platforms have disrupted retail, many bookstores fail because they resist innovation. The author cites closures in Rome (Libreria del Viaggiatore, Feltrinelli International) and Turin (Paravia, last newsstand in Piazza Statuto) but notes that some bookstores thrive by becoming cultural hubs. The piece criticizes the narrative that customers only want discounts and convenience, emphasizing the value of in-person experiences. It calls for bookstores to evolve, invest, and create identity-driven spaces that cannot be replaced online.