Why do bookstores move books around?

It got you moving around the store, didn’t it? Hence, you’re exposed to more product, and there’s a higher likelihood of you finding something else that you’d be apt to purchase.

I think lots of stores do this and especially supermarkets who dont want you going into the store and buying only what you need – they all want you to spend more than you intended.

Its the same situattion in a grocery store. for years, i could go into my Kroger store and almost shop blindfolded. then, they built a new store. everything changed. i can understand this. but, one year later. they moved all the merchandise to different locations. i am like you, i now have to memorize where all my favorite food articles are located, all over again. another point: have ever noticed that the item(s) the store wants to push the hardest, is always located nearing the entrance doors? at my Kroger store, its produce.

My girlfriend really hates this practice since she is blind, and by the time she memorizes a layout they change it on her. She hates to ask for help in a store when all she wants are regular old groceries.

It might be to keep you from going straight to the section you want, now you have to wander and something you wouldn’t have seen otherwise might catch your attention.

Personally, I’ve never experienced that (though most of my books have come from amazon and local used book stores recently). The only thing close was when my local supermarket was remodeling and it seemed like every other night they’d just randomly recreate isle next to isle… felt like a mouse in a maze.

They’re turning over a new leaf. Page me when they change it back.

Someone should throw the book at @ucme for bad puns.

@ I think you already did. Crowdpleaser.

My husband worked at a Big National Chain Bookstore for a year or so. He says, “When we moved stuff around in our store, it’s because Corporate called and told us to do so.” <shrug>

Perhaps in the OP’s book-moving example, someone thought that more children should be potentially exposed to science?

@laureth, does Big National Chain Bookstore have any outlets in central or northern Connecticut? I’m tired of Borders, and Barnes and Noble.

@CyanoticWasp – If they do, you’re already sick of it. ;)

It’s all a marketing ploy. They don’t want you to just go straight to your shelf and then leave. Supermarkets do the same thing, and they place the expensive, brand name items on the shelf at eye level, but you have to stoop down, or reach up to get the bargains.

My grocery store changed their vegetable bins around so bad, I wrote up a complaint on their form. Apparently it was so bad they lost business, and now it is back to normal.