My husband had today off. That means that not only did he not go into work, he also didn’t have to build any wheels, adjust any derailleurs, ride SAG or any of the other bike-related things which generally consume portions of his Saturdays.
So we decided to trek over to the new Ginormous Used Book Store which just opened up in West Nashville. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about this place. Several people I know have been waiting with bated breath for it to open, and have been squeeing for joy ever since it got here.
You can probably see where this is going so I’m going to cut right to the chase. We went. It was no big deal, as far as I could tell. I like my used media stores to have a lot of funky discoveries available. As far as I could tell, this place–like Books A Million–specialises in having a lot of copies of the most popular items. It was sort of a larger and slightly more raggedy version of Target’s book/cd/movie section. You want used copies of the latest Grisham? Great. They’ve got 16. But if you’re expecting a Bookman/Bookwoman/Dad’s experience on a larger scale, this ain’t it.
Perhaps the biggest disgruntlement for me was that they refuse to down-price their DVD sets. I buy used DVD sets (rarely). But when I’m in the market for one–say ‘Deadwood’–I expect that it will be cheaper if it’s used. Amazon retails Season 2 NEW for $68.99. You can buy it used at Amazon for $39.00. You can also drive across town and buy it used at New Ginormous Used Media Store for $60.00.
I think I’ve reached the place in my life where I’d just as soon patronise the library. Sure, I don’t own the stuff, but at least there’s more to choose from. If I decide I want to own it, I’ll plunk down my debit card at Amazon and have them mail me the stuff. It’s simpler.
Gosh, I’m aging rapidly.
Just Another Pretty Farce 
Heh. Naaa, you’re not aging rapidly. Me, on the other hand, yeah.
I say that because I went through this today myself trying to get a couple of seasons of UNCUT Doctor Who and Torchwood, just not at the Ginormous place.
I like to think I’m thrifty. 🙂
I liked McKay’s in Knoxville (more so before it moved). Maybe it takes a while for a used book store to start to pick up more interesting things as people bring in their own books? I haven’t been to the Nashville location yet, though.
Are y’all watching for sales at places like Hastings? I usually prefer patronizing used book/CD/DVD stores, but I’ve scored some great buys there — the Firefly collection, for example, unopened and with all the extras, for $17.99 instead of their standard discount price of $42.99. That was an after-Christmas sale, but still …
grandfille – We used to go to Hastings in Murfreesboro, but I haven’t seen one in Nashville yet (but haven’t looked, either).
McKay’s in Knoxville is da bomb…it has those fun treasures and a better selection.
But recall that this one just opened..and what I suspect has occurred is they shipped over a ton of the stuff they’ve got lots of from Knoxville and Chattanooga. It’s going to take time for it to get the character the Knoxville store does…but it will get there.
As for the DVDs, you have to be cautious…McKays generally has no clue if a DVD is being sold at Target for five bucks….
Anyway, I’d rather have McKays where it’s neat, well lit and I don’t feel like the walls are closing in like some used bookstores around…
and he who dies with the most books and dvd’s doesn’t win! i learned this late in life…
There’s a real used bookstore a few blocks. Rhino Books is every a box store will never be.