Have you been in a store recently? Brain-damaged morons work in them most of the time, people who have a hard time speaking their native language and who can't find a product even if it's right next to them. I said that small, specialized bookstores have smart people working for them. Other places don't.

Also, books are of course different. Think about how easy it is to shop for books online:

1. You don't need to "try on" a book, unlike clothes and shoes.
2. Books don't spoil or break in shipping, unlike electronics or food/drink.
3. Books are inexpensive, so you don't need to worry about fraud (as with jewelry or other luxury items).
4. Books are small and lightweight, so shipping costs tend to be low (try shipping weightlifting equipment)
5. Books do not need installation like major appliances

Right there you have five reasons why other stores don't work as well online. Sure, online shopping is increasing in each of those areas, but books (along with music, movies and games) are the ideal thing to buy and sell online. I don't think clothes stores are going to shutter their doors anytime soon - women like to wander, pick through clothes and find "deals". Grocery stores are not going anywhere, either, nor are liquor stores, electronics/appliances stores or jewelry stores.