Waterstones in the UK did this - they decentralised curation to their store managers. Seems to have worked, at least in the narrow part of London that I inhabit. The stores are generally a lot higher quality than one would expect from a chain bookstore. I still support my local when I can, but for travel books and such Waterstones is great - plus you can reserve an instore copy online and pick up in person (easy when you work in Victoria) for free.