My partner and I were discussing this recently and couldn't come to a conclusion, so I'm reaching out for your thoughts!

Which bookstore would you visit more?

Bookstore 1 has kind of clinical vibes - fluorescent lighting, drop ceiling, no seating. It is a no-nonsense bookstore: customers come in, make their purchases, and leave. However, the book curation is just to your taste, and every time you visit you want to buy 48392 things. Something about the books they choose to showcase just tickles your "I need to read that right now" instinct.

Bookstore 2 has ALL of the nice vibes - cozy lighting, comfy seating, quiet ambient music, a schedule of reading and other community events. However, their book selection is not as interesting to you. You can definitely still find some gems if you dig around! But the books don't pop out to you as much, and sometimes you leave without your interest piqued. (or if this is too hard to imagine - perhaps most of the books are in a language you're not familiar with, or a genre you're not sure about?)

Assume that both bookstores are right next to each other (so distance is not a factor), books are priced the same, and the bookstore staff are equally lovely.

Personally....... I am a huge sucker for nice vibes, I love going to places just to hang out! So I probably would visit Bookstore 2 more, especially for the events, and because digging for books is often a joy in itself. And then just occasionally pop in to Bookstore 1 to get something.