Just a reminder- the physical Borders stores are closing this week. The website is still functioning. (I hate seeing signs for the sale of store fixtures….sigh..)
Shira S.
Borders’ Brick and Mortar Stores Shutting Down
September 9, 2011
Tag: Borders
Reflections on Life After Borders
July 29, 2011
This eloquent article offers facts about Borders’ history, but more importantly, expresses concerns about the availability of books and the influence of books in our environment. While I was not a big customer of Borders, I liked knowing it was nearby in case I wanted to browse or I needed something. Boston Globe reporter James Carroll writes:
“The fate of Borders tells that story. The tragedy now is that, with the failure of the big boxes, which previously caused the failure of so many corner stores, not only will cities be left without bookstores; so will the rural and suburban malls that had embraced them. This is a massive cultural impoverishment.”
Do you agree with him?
Shira S.
All Over for Borders, Closing Imminent
July 18, 2011
Borders revealed today that it 
was unable to arrange for a buyer to keep its doors open. Four hundred stores will be closed and 11,000 people will be left jobless. This was not the goal of the executives at the nation’s second largest bookstore chain. According to Publisher’s Weekly, sales will start this Friday!
Shira S.
Borders’ Status To Be Resolved Soon
July 3, 2011
By early August Borders should have the details 
worked out regarding its store closings and payments to creditors. The goal has been to complete talks and deals as early as possible and recoup losses for suppliers. The number of stores to close is still unknown.
Shira S.
Several Borders Stores Saved For Now
June 15, 2011
The number of Borders stores slated for closure has dropped from 51 to 40 recently. This was the result of an inability to arrange the leases. (In the meanwhile, the public may benefit from the legal fallout!)
Shira S.
Small Bookstore Owners React to Borders’ Closings
February 28, 2011
A sampling of independent bookstore owners in the US, Australia, and New Zealand shows mixed feelings about the collapse of the number two bookseller in the US. Some owners expressed sadness about any decrease in bookselling capacity, even that of a competitor. Others sounded determined to make adjustments and keep working hard.
Shira S.
Borders to Start Clearance Sales
February 18, 2011
Some Borders are advertising sales 
beginning Saturday, however, I called the ones on Lincoln Avenue and on Broadway and they have not been told to mark down anything. Check with your local store before heading out.
Another article describes the court approving a plan for the company to honor its loyalty plan and gift cards.
Shira S.
Borders Closing Half of Illinois Stores
February 16, 2011
Borders’ failure to reach an agreement with creditors has resulted in the announcement that the chain will file for Chapter 11 and nationally 200 of its 642 stores are being closed. Unfortunately, the Evanston and the Chicago store on Lincoln Ave are included on the list. Keep an eye out for clearance sales which may begin this weekend. (This article explains which Illinois stores will remain open.)
Shira S.
Future of Bookstores Large and Small
February 11, 2011
A recent update on the status of Borders‘ finances reflects an uncertain future. Despite the massive loan obtained several days ago (and noted here) from GE, the chain may be headed toward bankruptcy. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
On the bright side I found an article about a 
small independent store in NY that is growing its business enough to expand physically. The owner, Suzanna Hermans, thinks that personal service plus the sense of community offered by Oblong Books will ensure her store’s longevity.
(Isn’t that what people say about libraries?)
Shira S.
Borders Saved for Now
January 28, 2011
Borders has received a reprieve from its 
financial woes. GE has arranged over a 1/2 billion dollar loan with many conditions attached in order for the chain to reorganize its debt. Stock shares immediately rose.
Shira S.