Barnes & Noble Takin' It to the Streets

In the city that never sleeps-where almost anything can be ordered for same-day delivery- (www.barnesandnoble.com) Barnesandnoble.com is extending this service to books. Without fanfare, the offline and online bookseller has begun to deliver books bought online within a 24-hour period to its Manhattan-area customers.
     Using a courier service that delivers via bicycle, foot or van, the No. 2-ranked book and music e-retailer-after (www.amazon.com) Amazon.com-aims to set itself apart as the only big Web site to attempt 24-hour turnaround.
     The company is still working out the kinks, according to a spokesperson. "We have started to do this in a controlled environment," he says. "We want to see how the parts fit together." The New York City-based retailer doesn't charge any more than the normal $3.95 standard 3 to 7 day shipping fee and will continue the service through the holidays. The spokesperson says the company may expand the service to other urban areas.