Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Almost two years have passed since Barnes & Noble closed in downtown Walnut Creek and finally a new bookstore has returned with Amazon Books having opened yesterday at Broadway Plaza. (Swan’s Fine Books which sells rare and vintage books is also downtown). With their highly detailed online shopping data Amazon is able to feature in-demand books throughout the store, face-out to make it easy to browse. There is a kid’s section in back as well as Amazon electronics such as Kindles, Echos etc. on display throughout the store. Unlike Barnes & Noble that offered sales on best sellers and other books at Amazon Books, amazon.com pricing is only available for Prime members. Otherwise it’s list prices for everything. (Ironically, if you’re not a Prime member, you could browse Amazon Books in-person and then order via bn.com to get better pricing)! To find out Prime pricing there are scanners throughout the store where you can scan books (see photo after the jump). Magazines are list prices even for Prime members. Unlike Capital One Cafe down the block that offers 50% off Peet’s drinks when using a Capital One credit card, there are no cafe discounts for Prime members. Also, I saw only four chairs available along the front window so seating is extremely limited. With wide aisles and nicely curated books facing cover out, Amazon Books is a great place to browse and shop for books particularly for Prime members.
More photos after the jump…