Chapters

Ok. It basically comes down to this; if you go to a Chapters/​Indigo and you have a poor experience that will be the exception rather than the rule. Books, mugs, notebooks, comics, magazines, games, household items, staff recommendations, etc. — they just have to follow the formula at this point. This location is no exception. So stop reading and go to buy a book/​magazine and a coffee, and enjoy yourself. Shoo. Go.

I know I might get a lot of dislikes for this, but I have not been too fond of this Chapters location during my last several visits. (I know, I know, I am sorry!!!)
I am definitely all for change, but I am not so sure I like the new layout at this location, mostly in the non fiction literature section. I find the new layout and placements of some shelves can make it seem a little «too cozy» and the aisles can get overly crowded with other book lovers quickly. They also added in a large study table in this section, which blocks off some the shelves if the seats are occupied. All in all, I guess what I am trying to say, is that it does not feel as spacious as it did before. I felt this in other sections of the book store as well.
This could be because they added a new larger, and brighter e-​reader section found at the entrance of the store, with additional employees in that section to answer any of your questions. They also moved the baby merchandise (toys, blankets, and randoms), next to the parenting books. So expanding some of the departments may have reduced some space in others?
But the big thing that has been turning me off lately at this location is the feeling I get when I am here. I used to be able to spend hours here without being disturbed, bothered, or felt like I have overstayed my visit. The past handful of times being here, especially yesterday (Saturday), I have not been feeling the warmth and cozyness as I once did during my past experiences.
I am not sure if management has really put the pressure on their employees to really sell, sell, sell, but I feel like its getting harder, and harder to just walk in and browse. I usually decline help from employees, which results in being followed for the most part, and watched, especially around the household merchandise. Sigh.
This used to be my spot to go, grab a Starbucks, and just browse, but I think I may have to give this spot a break, but only for a bit.
Will check back in a few months, and hopefully I can give a more positive review.
–3 stars for it just being an A-​OK.

My favourite Chapters location in Ottawa. I love their lifestyle section which has a mix of home décor items and nick nacks. I like how the fiction and literature section is far away from the main entrance, making it quieter than other spots in the store. They always have the books I’m looking for, and I find the tables with book suggestions to be very helpful if I’m looking for something new.

It’s hard for me NOT to be a fan of a bookstore, especially one with so many options, like a Chapters, Indigo, Barnes and Noble, etc. Reading is relaxing, pleasurable and and an escape for me, and so is this Chapters. It’s always clean, organized and when I walk through the doors I always feel a sense of possibility — probably because I’m about to spend a large quantity of time there debating over which new book to choose, or if I really need that monogrammed coffee mug (yes. always yes.).
I lived in this neighborhood for several years and dropped by this store at least once every few weeks. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, and several had recommendations for me when I came to visit which I always appreciated. I was bummed when they got rid of most of their seating (I get it — it’s not a library, but it’s nice to just sit and browse through a few books so I can decide what I want!), but there’s still a few places left to perch if need be.
As mentioned, they have an awesome kids section which came in handy when I worked at a daycare, and is now even more helpful since all my friends seems to be accessorizing with infants. They have a great selection of parenting books and always have the classics which I love.
I really love supporting small book stores since I know how hard the owners and staff there work to make things balance financially, but this place almost always has whatever book I’m looking for unlike some smaller local shops. I’m guilty of loving all their housewares and gifts as well. I can’t even count how many of their tote bags I have — it’s silly.
My favourite time to come here has to be during the daytime on a weekday if you can swing it. It’s so quiet and it almost feels like a different store than on the weekend (it gets a little insane with Ikea so close by).
I don’t love all Chapters locations, but this one feels like home. They’re doing something right, and now that I’m not living in the ‘hood, I miss it a bit.

This is a small chapters, but they have a huge kids section!
The staff are fantastic, they know their books and will give you the best help they can.
This is a great place stop here for your book, then grab a coffee and head on over to Ikea then grab dinner at any of the restaurants aground.

it’s chapters… they sell foodie books. what’s not to like.

My family purchased an E Reader from Chapters as a present. Excited I contacted that Chapters location to see if my present had arrived. Yikes, three times they invited me to come out and pick it up. Three times it was not there. I asked if they could call me when it actually does come in and they answered ‘no they don’t call’. This seem odd. In the end, I have my E Reader but, this was a lot of my time wasted. Love the Reader.