Quote:
Originally Posted by lilac_jive
I worked for Waldenbooks for several years (that store is now closed) and I'm a big shopper at Borders (when I buy pbooks). This would make me very sad. I also worked for B&N, and even though they let us keep stripped books and mags, I liked working for Borders better.
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I, too, worked for Waldenbooks for several years and then my son took over my job there while in high school and college (my wife insisted I get a part-time job to get out of the house. I work from home and was driving her nuts!). It has closed.
When I worked there (10+ years ago), I saw that Borders had no chance of surviving long-term. Borders HQ micromanaged everything, not giving local managers authority to address local market needs and wants. The store was mismanaged from above and fired people for foolish reasons. One coworker was fired because she couldn't convince enough people to buy a membership card; it didn't matter that she was one of the most knowledgeable people as regards the books themselves and often got buyers to buy additional books through her recommendations.
Eventually the Waldenbooks was closed and a Borders was opened (different but nearby location). I was in it once. Compared to the local B&N it was like entering a tomb. Poor lighting, poor layout, unhelpful staff, and high prices compared to B&N. The Borders is still open but is rumored to be in the next wave of closings, and rightfully so. I think Borders could turnaround but it needs a wholly different mindset to do so.