Indigo - Kingston

After reading so many negative reviews about the new store, I wasn't sure what to expect. Today I visited for the first time, and was pleasantly surprised. I think most of the negativity comes from people wishing it was more like the old Chapters store, and I completely understand that. It absolutely has less of a focus on books and more on gift and clothing type items. That said, there are a lot more books here than some of the reviews would have you believe. Yes, most of them are in an area at the back, much smaller than Chapters was, but there's still plenty of variety there. I would have to assume that the reason Indigo bought out Chapters, and not the other way around, is that there is more profit to be made from gifts, clothing, and accessories than there is to be made from books, so the new store is focusing more on that. At least there are still books available, and they're still able to order in anything you find online. I also read that the isles were too narrow, but I found that the isles are plenty wide for two people to be back to back looking at shelves, and everywhere I saw would easily be wheelchair accessible. That's not to say there isn't room for improvement. There are only a couple of small spots to sit in the store, but I think there is plenty of open space where seats could be added. There is one table near the back with seats for seven people, and although they're comfortable enough, they really don't look very inviting. I think it would be nice to have more lounge type chairs spread throughout the store, especially near the book section. Many of the shelves in the kids' area are too high for most children to reach. That said, there were several staff members around who could be asked for help if it was needed, and I don't think the area is meant to have kids left there alone, so parents should be able to help too. One thing I noticed throughout the book ares is that some of the category signs are obscured by the books on the shelves. Some of them have a nice, raised sign that's easy to read, but others have the sign just above the books, which lead to me not being able to read them at all. I've included photos of both types so you can see what I mean. All the signs should be raised up for easier viewing, even if they were to hang them from the ceiling. The magazine area is a cluttered mess. It's far too small for the amount of magazines they have, making it difficult to find anything at a glance. Unless the move the area completely, there isn't much room for expanding it, either. Overall, I was pleased with the new store. I agree that it feels more cold and less inviting than Chapters was, but it's still a fun place to browse through, and if you're looking for unique gifts or kitschy accessories, you'll definitely find some here. All my photos were taken on Sunday, September 9th around 11AM.

I love me some time spent in indigo. Brought my 7 year old twins and they loved the kids section. Store was well organized and clean as expected. Staff was happy and helpful even know we left at closing!

Okay, this is supposed to be a book store, not an accessories warehouse! The selection of books here is a joke. Save yourself the trouble and the extra expenses and order online, through amazon! If you have to sell blankets and mugs, then you aren't doing it right.

Staff is amazing, store is well stocked with a great selection. I spend more money here then I’d like to admit. Will obviously return frequently to up on my novels.

Went in here today, went up to cash to purchase two books, and listened to a lady rip the only cashier on the floor to shreds over information the cashier had no access to. It was totally unnecessary but the cashier handled it like professionally and I was very impressed. And if that lady is reading this, know even your daughter was looking at my girlfriend and I embarrassed of your actions! You should be ashamed.

Great selection of books and crowded most days. We bought a toy for my baby the lady in the counter didn't offer a bag or anything and just hand the big toy after I paid it which Is hard to carry with me pushing a stroller I had to go back and ask her for the bag.

Though I still remember Chapters, you can still get some books here, that were there. It's important to look round, because you are going to found something you're looking for. It doesn't necessarily have to be a book, either. They have some items, especially at the front of the store, that are interesting items. Which you have to see for yourself.

In a world of online shopping I must say I do like to physically walk through a book store. I am not a huge reader but my wife and daughter are so we take a family trip to Indigo every couple weeks to get my daughter a new book and look around. They expanded into other "related" items to try and be more competitive I am guessing. It is always nice to be able to see the books, open them up and check them out thoroughly before buying. Something you can't quite get the same feeling from when buying online.