Hastings Books Music & Video

Our family are avid readers. We enjoy a variety of styles and genre of books and entertainment. Hastings has always been a favored store of mine while we were in the south. Imagine my surprise when we arrive in Sierra Vista, Az and see a Hastings! We were all excited to get in there and peruse the shelves for another good read.
Unfortunately this particularly Hastings bookstore has been nothing less than disappointing with every visit we have made. Today is the last visit I will make at this store. The customer service I received today was dreadful. Yolanda, one of the managers, was called to help me at the book desk. When she arrived her expression was one that stated that I was wasting her time because she certainly has better things to do than to work at the help desk. Pardon me for expecting her to do her job.
While she was «helping» me she never smiled one time, she did not make eye contact, she did not ask how she could be of help but just brushed passed me and stood behind the computer she did not act like she gave two flips about the customer in front of her at all. In addition to that I was asking about a specific book called, «Monstrumologist» by Rick Yancey. I wanted to know if a copy of it might be in any other part of the store than the one I had already looked. I explained that it was the first book in the series and that the store had books 2 and 3 in stock. She continued to type on her computer then said, «We have book 2 in the teen section.» I tried to explain AGAIN that I was not looking for books 2 or 3 but book one and repeated the name.
All in all this is par for course for this Hastings. As far as the store itself, the books are too pricey, even the used books. The atmosphere in the store is hostile as well. I do not know how they stay in business. I would really like to see how they shaped up if we were to get a competing book store in town. Perhaps the crappy attitudes of the staff is because the management feels that a monopoly on books means you do not need customer service.

Do Not Bother selling back CDs and Books. As long as you do not have to interact with a surly and unhelpful staff – it is a good place to buy cds, books. I bought over 150 cds over the last decade, as I am old school, no MP3. I am down sizing took some interesting self help books, solar how to, nutrition and maybe 20 cds that were of moderate interest. The gals at front desk were giving me the stink eye as they wanted no part of the buy back-​although they do so. Finally, 20 minutes later, a manager completes the unpleasant transaction. Would not look me in the eye, normally there is a competent manager with an Irish accent there. This one said no Driver’s license — no business. Took me 4 trips to bring the stuff in. I had left it at Best Buy, however had passport, credit cards and a check to verify. I understand the policy – it was the indifferent and nasty attitude of the manager that had me leave the store without options. A friend went back, as I refuse ever to go back, and she was given $ 15, total joke. I was expecting $ 100. Deplorable and unacceptable customer service AND APPARENTLY CULTURE that is fostered by the mANAGERS.

Just when you thought there were no more bookstores, Hastings is one of the cool things we have here in Sierra Vista. Though the place could use a face lift, there seems to be a good selection of magazines, books, movies for rent-​and you can also re-​sell your used items here. There are also a few electronics and refurbished/​used electronics. Staff was helpful during my visit.

I love Hastings. They have great rental prices on movies. If you rent a popular movie, the upfront price is $ 5, but if you return it the next day you get a $ 3 credit. Which is really awesome! This makes the movie $ 1.99 a day.
Their used books are 3/​$ 21, which is a steak in my opinion. I still love the feel of a book in my hand. There snacks are a bit pricey and for that I have to take off one star. Better grab the goodies at Walmart.

I have been coming back to Hastings more due to their in-​store sales, and like I mentioned in previous review (they’re still the only game in town for rentals videogames/​movies) besides redbox.
Customer service has also improved since my first review. The folks that I have been dealing with might not have the most experience in various subject matters (comics/​video games/​etc…), but they have all been very friendly and helpful. I appreciate the fact that they sincerely try.
The reason for the 1 star bump up:
+ Mostly friendly and sincere customer service (Seems to be new faces)
+ $ 1.99 Movie bins, Buy 2 DVDs & get 2 for $ 2
+ Comic Books: Buy 2 Comic Books and get 3^rd free [Only for bagged comics, not new releases] (Comics are not in the best condition, but Hastings has a surprisingly good back issue selection)

Very surprised to see a pretty decent selection of music (newer and older) here. I have gotten so used to just the radio hits that I usually don’t even bother looking unless I am in an independent music store like Zia’s. Pretty impressed with whoever their buyer is. The place has a little bit of everything (games, video, books, computer/​electronics, etc.) and is well worth the occasional browsing visit.

I only come here for the DVDs. Anything else you purchase here will most likely be over priced. I like Hastings because if you return the DVD the next day you get movie credit so half the time I rent, I don’t pay for the movie. Their Blu-​Ray discs are hit or miss. Half the time I get a Blu-​Ray disc it doesn’t work and I have to go back and return it, so I just stopped getting Blu-​Ray from this location. Kind of frustrating if you ask me.

Their business model is now a dinosaur. Find it for less on Amazon or from Netflix.

In these days of Amazon and Bargain Book Mole, any meatspace bookstore is going to make its money on two things — immediacy, and customer experience. Immediacy is how B&N is hanging on: if you want something *now*, or just like wandering through shelves of books and seeing what catches your eye (guilty!), a physical bookstore with a good selection is the way to go. Customer experience is what the few surviving small independent bookstores offer — they get to know you and make recommendations that you trust, and get involved with their community by offering a place to gather.
Unfortunately, Hastings has neither of these going for it. Their selection is just wide enough to be worth the occasional pass-​through, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of turnover from week to week. It doesn’t help that they don’t accept used paperbacks, so their «used» selection is entirely hardcover — not that there’s anything wrong with that, but even used they’re still expensive enough to discourage casual buying.
As for customer experience, I’ve never seen a single book club meetup here, though in all fairness, Sierra Vista isn’t exactly hopping with literary types. And the one time I asked a staff member a question — specifically, whether they had in stock the new Edith Grossman translation of «Don Quixote» — she looked at me blankly and asked, «Is that a book?» I think that pretty well speaks for itself.

Have never had a problem with Hastings. Even though they are known more for there used books and CDs. I find that this place has the BEST deals on video games both used and new.
Screw gamestop with video games just come here. They usually have a lot so it may take a bit to find what your looking for, but not worry. Just ask the information desk if they have whatever you need. In all sense they will most likely have it. I bought a brand new copy of «the orange box» for the xbox 360 for $ 16.97!!! Used my $ 5 off coupon from Unilocal ;)
its always good to shop local stores :)

Coming from a city that sported a Barnes & Noble and a Borders a mile away from each other, I have to say that Hastings has a very decent selection. I’m not really into the whole idea of DVDs, software, games, electronics, books, and knick-​knacks being shoved into one store, but I always found what I was looking for in the book department.
I’ve been to the store several times and it’s always kept clean. Their employees, while not very personable, do their job quickly and well. When you purchase something they bag it up for you, walk to the end of the register counter and hand it to you. I’ve always liked that practice.
They do buy and sell used books. You can sell your books, DVDs, and video games for in-​store credit and they also do DVD/​video game rental. I really recommend checking it out!

A good place to go and get your music or books. They also sell games and rent/​sell movies although for your gaming fix, Electronic Boutique has a better selection.
Customer service is usually very friendly and top-​notch.

There may not be a Best Buy in this area but it’s nice to see a non-​chain store every now and then. With that being said, Hastings does its part fulfilling the need of many as a premier electronic and music/​movie store. Their prices are lower and they have a decent selection of animé. Don’t expect to find 42″ plasma TVs. They sell some console games, consoles, audio peripheral equipment, CDs, and DVDs. Items your typical consumer will purchase on a regular basis. No one comes in to buy a new TV everyday and if you want a new TV go to Best Buy or Costco.