Growing up, one of my favorite past-times was going to the bookstore. It was a magical place where I could get lost in delightful stories and discover new lands – without going very far from home. I’ve always been a huge bookworm. My mom would often take me to the library to check out books, but nothing compared to my appreciation for the bookstore. I think I just loved the smell of a new book, and the excitement of a new addition to my bookshelf. My favorite part about going to the bookstore was curling up in a chair and browsing the pages of my latest find.

Back in the day, the go-to bookstores were Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Walden Books. As I got older, mainstream and chain bookstores were becoming obsolete. I’ll never forget the day my local Borders was replaced with a Top Shop. During the years that followed, I had to find alternatives to “The Bookstore.” About a year ago, when I thought my book hunting days were over forever, I discovered “The Bargain Bookstore.” An extraordinary place where paying full price for a book is a thing of the past. For that reason, I want to share with you 3 Bookstores for Bargain Hunters.

Half Price Books

Half Price Books was the first bargain bookstore I discovered. They sell their books and other merchandise for half the retail price or less – hence their name. Half Price caters to any interest: Art, Cooking, Crafts & Hobbies, Film, Health & Fitness, Poetry, Self-Help, Travel, and more. Plus, they have all of the standard genres. My go-to sections are Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga, Performing Arts, Art & Design, Magazines, and Young Adult Fiction. Half Price doesn’t just sell discounted books. They sell movies, tv shows, board games, video games, calendars, stationary, toys, and more – all for half the price or less. They even have a $1-$2 clearance section that includes both adult and children’s bargain books.

Even though everything is discounted, many of the products are in very good condition or brand new. If an item is more banged up, it usually costs less than half the retail price. Half Price Books is what my mom and I call “The Hunt” because some of the items you find are one of a kind. No Half Price Books is the same. They acquire their own shipment of books, but people bring in their own collections to sell too, so you never know what treasures you’re going to come across.

The New HPB.com:

Half Price Books recently launched their online website, so customers all over the world can check them out via the internet. Visit hpb.com to discover new and used books – only one click away!

Barnes and Noble

When Borders existed back in the day, I don’t remember venturing out to Barnes and Noble much. I didn’t start shopping there regularly until I realized they were neighbors with my local Half Price Books – how ironic, right? I know what you’re thinking, Barnes and Noble is not a bargain bookstore. You would be correct, but that doesn’t mean book lovers still can’t find great deals. They just need to know where to look…

B&N Membership:

If you buy books at B&N quite often, it’s time to become a member. To sign-up all you need to do is pay $25 a year. In the long run, my family and I have saved a lot of money because we are a member. First of all, you get free express shipping online (1-3 days). If you think about how much shipping costs per order, it adds up to way over $25 a year. With that being said, the membership will save you more money in the long run. Second, members are sent discount coupons several times a month – for both in-store and online purchases. Third, members receive 40% off hardcover bestsellers, and an extra 10% off everything else when they shop in-store. What more do you need?

Last Chance Books:

The clearance section can be easily missed, if you don’t go looking for it. Books and other items on this cart are only temporary bargains and soon will not be sold in-store, so get them before they are gone.

Shop Online and Save:

Even though Barnes and Noble has some great in-store bargains, I actually prefer to shop on their website. For some reason, books are way cheaper online than in-store. For example, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Illustrated Edition is sold for $39.99 in-store, but online it is only $24.38 – you save 39 percent! If you are a Barnes and Noble member, you can use your coupon and save even more – plus free express shipping! What a bargain! Visit Barnes and Noble’s website, barnesandnoble.com to discover even more bargain books and sweet deals.

Book Outlet

The most recent bargain bookstore I discovered is Book Outlet. The Book Outlet is primarily online, but they do have a store in St. Catharines, Ontario. They are known for having, “read-iculously good prices” – there is for sure a truth to that. Book Outlet carries two types of books: New and Scratch & Dent.

New Books:

New books are sold for 50%-90% off the original list price. How is that possible, you ask? According to Book Outlet,

“Our books are marked down because most of the titles are marked with a small line or dot on the edge of the book by publishers who sell us their returns and excess inventory. This mark ensures that the books will not be returned to the publisher for a second credit. The books we sell are not used, they are unread and in excellent condition.”

Scratch & Dent:

Scratch & Dent books may have dents, scratches, torn or missing dust jackets, but still readable. It really depends on the customer’s preference.

50/50:

Every week Book Outlet has a sale called 50/50, which is 50 book titles at 50% off the store price. Usually all of the books chosen are under a specific category, such as YA, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, etc.

Overall, the prices just blow me away. For example, the list price would be $17.99 for a new hardcover edition of Katie Finn’s Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend, but at Book Outlet it would cost only $2.99. Mind blown! Visit bookoutlet.com to see what titles and bookish goodies Book Outlet has in stock.

You Can’t Beat Bargain Books

After discovering these amazing bookstore bargains, I refuse to pay full price for a book ever again. Where do you find your bargain books? Please let me know in the comments below. Exploring new bookstores is one of my favorite things to do. There’s nothing like finding a true literary treasure when you did not expect to. Have you shopped at Half Price Books, Barnes and Noble, and Book Outlet – online or in-store? What was your most surprising find while book shopping? Tell me below! If you liked this post, please don’t forget to share. Until next time…

Happy Book Shopping and Happy Hunting!

♥ Candis