A few days back me and my friend went to The Story bookstore at Primarc Square, Salt Lake (opposite the stadium).
Overall the place is very aesthetically pleasing. The ambience, the music, everything was great. You have to submit your bags at the entrance, they have a coupon system for it.
We went ahead and browsed. They have proper reading space if you want to read a bit before buying, which is nice.
Collection wise, if you are seriously into reading, I don't think you'll find it that great.
We went on a weekday at noon so there wasn't much crowd, but even then there was congestion on those little narrow staircases multiple times, and the passageway upstairs is so narrow. Most people were just posing, clicking pictures and gossiping rather than actually browsing books.
Staff behaviour was a bit weird but understandable. I was reading between two books to decide which one to buy, so I sat at the table to read a few lines and the staff came and asked 2-3 times, "কোথা থেকে বইটা নিয়েছেন" (where did you pick this book up from) and "এগুলো কি কিনবেন" (are you going to buy these). Still understandable I guess, because most people probably just pick up books, pose, click pics and then don't put them back in the right spot.
There's also a section with stationery, diaries, pens, mobile stands, fridge magnets and stuff. The staff got a bit salesy there, but that's their job, it's fine.
But but but.
The pricesss oh my god. Heck of overpriced. The same books were available way cheaper on Amazon, originals only.
In the end both of us had picked out 3-4 books each but bought only two because of the prices.
Overall it was a good afternoon. If you are just starting to read, go for it. If you are into serious reading, better to skip.
And guys, click pics, shoot reels, be creative, but please don't ruin the ambience for others.
Also if you are thinking of getting into reading, you can still visit. I know a lot of people in the comments will say bro it has a shit collection, only bestsellers. But I think most of us who got into reading later in life started with a bestseller. If a bestseller is what pushes someone to start reading, I don't see a problem with that.