11/03/09

Farewell, Bailey/Coy

by kaffe

Though I'm sorry to hear that dear old Bailey/Coy is closing its doors at the end of November 2009, I can't help but wonder if the store's inability to change with changing times had anything to do with its demise.

Look, I've loved browsing through and supporting B/C for years now, but the store depended on the survival of an antiquated publishing and distribution model as much as it did on the health of a consumerist economy. Both moved on; Bailey/Coy didn't.

For one thing, instead of aggressively pursuing the used-books business, it set out only one small table of pre-read titles (which were disincluded from one's patronage card) in front of an entire wall of greeting cards and magazines. For another, it refused to stock print-on-demand titles, even those by local authors. It supported the star system in the book business (I hardly ever saw an unknown writer's name on its list of readers) and often maintained a bit of a nose-in-the-air (though somewhat amiable) bearing toward customers.

With used-books stores, as well as a good library, nearby, during a serious recession, Bailey/Coy's days were numbered, as some of its own employees could be heard murmuring to each other earlier this year.

I say to Bailey/Coy: Ave atque vale!

And if you don't know what that means, Google it.

• Pros: Best place to hang out after dinner
• Cons: Forgot that "adapt or die" applies to businesses, too

02/14/07

it was once the greatest bookstore....what happened?

by chris_d_mented

I firmly believe in the importance of supporting your local book store. Bailey Coy was once the greatest bookstore around because they had lots of everything. I was in the other night and the store seemed practically empty. Many of the shelves were gone. Greeting cards took up an entire wall. I got the feeling that they had given up. I used to love hanging out there, checking out all that they had. This last trip I felt I had seen everything in less than 15 minutes.

They still have the greatest GLBTQ selection in town (au revoir, beyond the closet). I am sure they can order anything you want. The staff is pleasant once engaged, otherwise their facial piercings are burried in the books they are reading. I will still go there and support them. But it's not the same. And that makes me sad.

The undisputed gem of Seattle's most diverse neighborhood.

by Contributor

In Short
Bright and comfortable, Broadway's leading independent bookstore features a wide range of titles and a staff with an encyclopedic knowledge of literature. Detailed, handwritten reviews pepper the shelves. Left-wing bibliophiles easily find all the books banned from their high-school libraries, others browse through the many well-stocked categories including art, interior design, cooking and travel. In the spring and fall, author appearances are scheduled once a week with readings on the main floor.

12/02/02

Capitol Hill's Best Bookstore

by tpresley

If you're looking for a great selection of new books (often accompanied by wonderful recommendations from the staff) in a store that's cozy enough to make you overlook its small size (when compared to the competition downtown), then BaileyCoy is the bookstore for you. Add to this mix an offering of some of the best literary speakers/readers that you will find in Seattle on a fairly regular basis. Finally, outside the store on a little A-frame will be a random opening line from a book. Identify the book and you will get 10% off your purchase. So, as you are taking a walk down Broadway, be sure to stop by this bookstore.

• Pros: New books, Queer books
• Cons: Lack of backlist