I can't say I've had anything like this experience with technical books, non-fiction, and anything but popular fiction. It's just schlock: self-help, best sellers, expensive notebooks and kitschy crap. Each store is organized differently. There is no rhyme or reason to what books are purchased or why, and from a history nerd's perspective, the selection they choose is actively harmful.

I am very happy you had good bookstore experiences! This frustration is earnest and from many failed expectations.