"But sales have really surged this year, especially in the chain bookstores."

Moreover, there are significant outlets for their sale in addition to chain bookstores.

"Anything that makes us different from the chain bookstores is useful."

It is the reason for the racks of books at 50 percent off near the front of chain bookstores.

It was also four times the size of the typical chain bookstore.

The chain bookstores have been designed to accommodate lots of people, and to make each one comfortable for hours.

Two chain bookstores have opened in the last year.

Going to a chain bookstore, of course, is like going to McDonald's.

In that picture, the big chain bookstores were driving the little independents out of business.

Ms. Solomon said her business had not been hurt by the large chain bookstores.