Borders has a 50/50 chance of survival

Andanzas · 01-25-2010, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Waldenbooks/Borders
2009 Store closures: 110 (Q4 2008 to Q3 2009)

Outook: Amazon.com continues to wreak havoc on traditional booksellers. The Borders unit says it will close an estimated 200 stores during the three months ending January 31, for a total of roughly 300 Waldenbooks stores over the past 13 months, close to 70 percent of all outlets. Retail analysts at Davidowitz & Associates give Borders Group, plagued with losses three years running, a 50-50 chance of survival.

Who's Closing Stores in 2010

Where You Might Not Shop In 2010

lilac_jive · 01-25-2010, 03:25 PM

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.

dsvick · 01-25-2010, 03:29 PM

In my experience Walden stores are mostly found inside shopping malls and have prices that reflect that location as well as a selection the reflects the limited space. This is compared to Borders, Books a Million, and Barnes and Noble that, while located AT the mall, are not usually inside of it but are instead in one of the adjoining strips.

The prices at the larger stores, while not in Amazons range, are still usually much better than found at Walden. Plus, being larger, they have more amenities, chairs, couches, coffee bar, etc. to offer.

phenomshel · 01-25-2010, 04:35 PM

I went to both Borders and BN this weekend in Dekalb, IL. Borders was hosting the Julie Hyzy signing, and I hadn't really planned on going to BN (if you ask Chris, though, he'll say it was a foregone conclusion in his mind)!

Since I was trying not to completely monopolize Julie (we greeted each other with squeals that her husband heard halfway across the store -we've talked online for months but this was the first time we met in person), Chris and I went wandering for titles that aren't available in ebook yet. Of the three I was looking for, Borders only had one.

I promised Julie I'd go check out the nook (I had forgotten about doing it, because I decided I won't go back to any device that doesn't read all formats without conversion). So we went to BN. Found the other two books I needed there, plus a few more that I reluctantly didn't buy, LOL.

The point here is, judging from these two stores in this location, Borders had a very limited selection, while BN seems to be doing a lot better with that. I haven't had much experience with either chain (actually, Saturday was the first time I'd even been inside a Borders), so I don't know if that's typical or not.

lilac_jive · 01-25-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phenomshel

I went to both Borders and BN this weekend in Dekalb, IL. Borders was hosting the Julie Hyzy signing, and I hadn't really planned on going to BN (if you ask Chris, though, he'll say it was a foregone conclusion in his mind)!

Since I was trying not to completely monopolize Julie (we greeted each other with squeals that her husband heard halfway across the store -we've talked online for months but this was the first time we met in person), Chris and I went wandering for titles that aren't available in ebook yet. Of the three I was looking for, Borders only had one.

I promised Julie I'd go check out the nook (I had forgotten about doing it, because I decided I won't go back to any device that doesn't read all formats without conversion). So we went to BN. Found the other two books I needed there, plus a few more that I reluctantly didn't buy, LOL.

The point here is, judging from these two stores in this location, Borders had a very limited selection, while BN seems to be doing a lot better with that. I haven't had much experience with either chain (actually, Saturday was the first time I'd even been inside a Borders), so I don't know if that's typical or not.

That's really interesting. The Borders by me kicks B&Ns butt in selection, at least in fiction.

suelange · 01-26-2010, 09:11 AM

The Borders in my area is much more active in the community than B&N is. Hard to imagine a big chain doing that, but they work with local events for exposure etc. I'm saddened by the fact that B&N seems to be doing better than Borders when they do nothing for the community. In some areas, non-chain bookstores do a good job of that, hosting events and reader discussion groups, but we only have Borders and B&N around us.

rhadin · 01-26-2010, 09:24 AM

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.

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.

sassanik · 01-26-2010, 08:44 PM

I used to like the Borders store in my area better than the B&N, but a few years ago it switched location and since then the store is not doing as well. The parking in the new location is awful.

They are not very good at making sure they have the newest titles out on release date and they lack seating for customers to come in and check out some books.

I am a person who likes to take a few books and find a comfie chair and look at them before buying.

Now that I have a ebook reader I have pretty much stopped going to either B&N or Borders at all.

I do know that our local Borders does better DVD and music sales than it does with the books, which I think is a sad thing!

Amy

Teddman · 01-26-2010, 09:16 PM

Borders was where I scored my $199 brand new Sony 505 last summer, so I have warm feelings for the chain. I'm a member of their club or whatever they call it and regularly get their e-mail specials.

Ironically, now that I bought my e-reader there, I really don't have much use for the store.

GA Russell · 01-26-2010, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilac_jive

...and even though they let us keep stripped books and mags...

I'm very surprised to hear that!

MV64 · 01-26-2010, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell

I'm very surprised to hear that!

I currently work for B&N and can confirm that they do, indeed, let employees keep stripped paperbacks as well as advance copies of books.

Aside from the fact that retail sucks beyond belief and the usual round of stupidity from corporate that one finds anywhere, B&N is a pretty good place to work and at least where I'm from has a good community presence.

EDIT: Barnes and Noble would kill me for saying this, but I hate seeing Borders go under. I've never been to one, and feel no special attachment to it, but I hate the gradual erosion of choices in the marketplace that we're currently experiencing. Nowadays you pretty much have to rely on one or two companies in a region to get what you need, and with Borders suffering BN is pretty much the only national book retailer left of any significance.

Competition is always a good thing, and we seem to be reverting back to 1900-era monopolies.

Teyrnon · 01-27-2010, 09:15 AM

With B. Dalton already out of business losing Waldenbooks too would mean the extinction of the mall bookstore. It's kind of sad. When I was a kid, the mall bookstores were the only bookstores I ever got to go to. Without them I don't know really where I'd have gotten my books back then.

The Borders nearest me has been an odd one. Their selection has been declining since I moved into this town six years ago. Their largest sections currently seem to be CDs, DVDs, Comics/Manga, and Children's books. The Barnes & Noble further down the street seems to have a much better selection in terms of books and magazines and seems to be doing pretty well.

kwjones · 01-27-2010, 09:29 AM

I miss Walden's. Spend $100, get a $5 off certificate for your next purchase. If they gave the automatic 25% off, plus the additional 10% off with your membership card, and using the $5 off certificate, it was pretty easy to get a new $30 hardback for around $15. They used to have a decent Horror and Fantasy/Sci-Fi section, which now seems to be all lumped together at other stores.

lilac_jive · 01-27-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwjones

I miss Walden's. Spend $100, get a $5 off certificate for your next purchase. If they gave the automatic 25% off, plus the additional 10% off with your membership card, and using the $5 off certificate, it was pretty easy to get a new $30 hardback for around $15. They used to have a decent Horror and Fantasy/Sci-Fi section, which now seems to be all lumped together at other stores.

Ahh, the preferred reader card. I miss it too

Hogan · 01-27-2010, 10:30 AM

Loosing Borders would be very sad indeed. When I got to my company's headquarters in Cambridge, MA, that's where I spend alot of my evenings

I've always found Borders staff to be really helpful.

01-26-2010, 08:44 PM	#8
sassanik Guru Posts: 774 Karma: 1211741 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Oregon Device: EB1150, iPhone, Cool-er Purple, Pocketbook 360, Kindle Fire	Borders I used to like the Borders store in my area better than the B&N, but a few years ago it switched location and since then the store is not doing as well. The parking in the new location is awful. They are not very good at making sure they have the newest titles out on release date and they lack seating for customers to come in and check out some books. I am a person who likes to take a few books and find a comfie chair and look at them before buying. Now that I have a ebook reader I have pretty much stopped going to either B&N or Borders at all. I do know that our local Borders does better DVD and music sales than it does with the books, which I think is a sad thing! Amy

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Borders' New Strategy for Survival: Stuffed Bears	J. Strnad	News	44	09-13-2010 01:50 AM
iPad iPad Survival Guide	scottjl	Apple Devices	5	05-27-2010 03:16 PM
U.S. Army Survival Manual - PDF	Nate the great	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	13	01-12-2009 06:25 PM
Unutterably Silly MARRIAGE SURVIVAL KIT	Greg Anos	Lounge	7	12-11-2008 07:42 PM

01-25-2010, 03:25 PM	#2
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,870 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	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.

01-25-2010, 03:29 PM	#3
dsvick Wizard Posts: 2,737 Karma: 635747 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Northeast Ohio, USA Device: PRS-900	In my experience Walden stores are mostly found inside shopping malls and have prices that reflect that location as well as a selection the reflects the limited space. This is compared to Borders, Books a Million, and Barnes and Noble that, while located AT the mall, are not usually inside of it but are instead in one of the adjoining strips. The prices at the larger stores, while not in Amazons range, are still usually much better than found at Walden. Plus, being larger, they have more amenities, chairs, couches, coffee bar, etc. to offer.

01-25-2010, 04:35 PM	#4
phenomshel ZCD BombShel Posts: 4,793 Karma: 8293322 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: The Frozen North (aka Illinois, USA) Device: iPad, STB Kindle Oasis	I went to both Borders and BN this weekend in Dekalb, IL. Borders was hosting the Julie Hyzy signing, and I hadn't really planned on going to BN (if you ask Chris, though, he'll say it was a foregone conclusion in his mind)! Since I was trying not to completely monopolize Julie (we greeted each other with squeals that her husband heard halfway across the store -we've talked online for months but this was the first time we met in person), Chris and I went wandering for titles that aren't available in ebook yet. Of the three I was looking for, Borders only had one. I promised Julie I'd go check out the nook (I had forgotten about doing it, because I decided I won't go back to any device that doesn't read all formats without conversion). So we went to BN. Found the other two books I needed there, plus a few more that I reluctantly didn't buy, LOL. The point here is, judging from these two stores in this location, Borders had a very limited selection, while BN seems to be doing a lot better with that. I haven't had much experience with either chain (actually, Saturday was the first time I'd even been inside a Borders), so I don't know if that's typical or not.

01-26-2010, 09:11 AM	#6
suelange Connoisseur Posts: 69 Karma: 50000 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: Kindle	The Borders in my area is much more active in the community than B&N is. Hard to imagine a big chain doing that, but they work with local events for exposure etc. I'm saddened by the fact that B&N seems to be doing better than Borders when they do nothing for the community. In some areas, non-chain bookstores do a good job of that, hosting events and reader discussion groups, but we only have Borders and B&N around us.

01-26-2010, 09:16 PM	#9
Teddman Addict Posts: 242 Karma: 695 Join Date: Jun 2009 Device: Sony PRS-505	Borders was where I scored my $199 brand new Sony 505 last summer, so I have warm feelings for the chain. I'm a member of their club or whatever they call it and regularly get their e-mail specials. Ironically, now that I bought my e-reader there, I really don't have much use for the store.

01-27-2010, 09:15 AM	#12
Teyrnon Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 384 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South Eastern United States Device: jetBook, Kindle DX, Kindle 3, Kindle Fire, Nook Simple Touch	With B. Dalton already out of business losing Waldenbooks too would mean the extinction of the mall bookstore. It's kind of sad. When I was a kid, the mall bookstores were the only bookstores I ever got to go to. Without them I don't know really where I'd have gotten my books back then. The Borders nearest me has been an odd one. Their selection has been declining since I moved into this town six years ago. Their largest sections currently seem to be CDs, DVDs, Comics/Manga, and Children's books. The Barnes & Noble further down the street seems to have a much better selection in terms of books and magazines and seems to be doing pretty well.

01-27-2010, 09:29 AM	#13
kwjones Groupie Posts: 178 Karma: 1546 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rising Sun, MD Device: Sony PRS-505; Motorola Droid	I miss Walden's. Spend $100, get a $5 off certificate for your next purchase. If they gave the automatic 25% off, plus the additional 10% off with your membership card, and using the $5 off certificate, it was pretty easy to get a new $30 hardback for around $15. They used to have a decent Horror and Fantasy/Sci-Fi section, which now seems to be all lumped together at other stores.

01-27-2010, 10:30 AM	#15
Hogan Zealot Posts: 106 Karma: 5228 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ireland Device: Motorola Xoom	Loosing Borders would be very sad indeed. When I got to my company's headquarters in Cambridge, MA, that's where I spend alot of my evenings I've always found Borders staff to be really helpful.

Advert

Advert