Australia/NZ Borders, A&R and Whitcoulls go bust

[Solicitous]

Originally Posted by Clancy_s

I'm inclined to do that too, but not buying books in store presumably leads to more of them closing. It's a pity one can't buy the ebooks in store (or if you can, a pity it wasn't more widely publicised).

I admit that I do go in and browse but very rarely ever bought off them (impulse purchases excepted). I found it very hard to go and buy a paperback from A&R for $25 when I can order it online and have it delivered to my door for $12. Ok usually up to 2 weeks from order to delivery, but I usually bought a book or two in advance so it was no real loss.

To support local stores I can live with a 10/20/30 % price hike, but when you start getting to the 90/100% area just to buy locally.....I need more than just a warm fuzzy feeling from buying locally to justify paying double.

And interesting you mention buying ebooks in store, I mentioned a similar thing a few weeks ago. Why on earth didn't A&R/Borders setup a damn PC in the corner and have the infrastructure so one could walk in with their Kobo and buy an ebook??? A small cut of the sale goes to the local store so they don't miss out completely from ebook sales and everyone wins.

Looking at the list of stores closing there is one apparently missing. Tasmanian papers have reported apparently Devonport A&R is on the cutting block. Don't know how true (I don't live there) but it wouldn't surprise me at all (A&R owned store and not being rude but that area isn't exactly a demographic of readers).

[AprilHare]

The bookshop will end up being a bit different a few paper books on shelves (not all books will be ebooks!), with lounges and people buying ebooks via wi-fi or via terminals connected to their ebook reader. And probably coffee.

[AprilHare]

Anyone want to buy a good old fashioned bricks and mortar bookstore?
103 stores up for grabs..
http://www.smh.com.au/business/wante...308-1blvy.html

[AprilHare]

Originally Posted by AprilHare

Anyone want to buy a good old fashioned bricks and mortar bookstore?
103 stores up for grabs..
http://www.smh.com.au/business/wante...308-1blvy.html

I guess not
Not exactly the best investment on earth?

[AprilHare]

Jobs lost, and more bookstores to close? http://www.smh.com.au/business/more-...317-1byvk.html

[carpetmojo]

I think the Borders operation in the UK was in trouble ahead of the rest - whether, because of the complicated way businesses are "leveraged" or whatever nowadays, that was because the UK business was either losing more money, not "sponsored" enuff, the value of the estate portfolio wasn't theoretically as much, or whatever wierd & wonderful - no, wrong word, leave it at wierd - treasons the accountants come up with,. I know not.

It was only here that I thought " hang on, Borders are bust, aren't they" and realised, no, just the UK bit is.

I had a little bet with myself the rest would probably be "re-negotiating their position in the actuality of the ongoing financial climatic atmosphere" .

But still mildly surprised...............

[AprilHare]

It's still rolling on. More shops closing (including the only Borders nearby for me) as well as the 25 franchises severing their agreements: http://www.smh.com.au/business/borde...406-1d4cb.html

[sabredog]

Angus and Robertson franchises abandom ship, cutting ties with RedGroup

http://bookbee.net/angus-robertson-f...-independents/

[snarkophilus]

Originally Posted by AprilHare

It's still rolling on. More shops closing (including the only Borders nearby for me) as well as the 25 franchises severing their agreements: http://www.smh.com.au/business/borde...406-1d4cb.html

In Geelong we lost A&R in the first round, and now the Borders too.

Cheers,
Simon.

[Blue Tyson]

Borders in Adelaide - most expensive bookshop in the world - appears to be going, too.

[nashira]

...the most expensive bookshop in the world is in Adelaide? Huh.

[sabredog]

Popped into Borders Perth CBD today and was told it is not closing. That is good news for I would hate to see the only main bookstore in Perth being Dymocks.

[CazMar]

Originally Posted by Blue Tyson

Borders in Adelaide - most expensive bookshop in the world - appears to be going, too.

Do you mean expensive to shop at or the most expensive fit-out?
And how would we now get our Kobo readers (and more importantly the updates and books to go on them?) I know the online store still works but is this only for the short term? The lack of information is turning me off this outlet.

[sabredog]

I am sure Kobo will find another retail outlet to sell their readers. In fact I imagine they are looking at expansion options at the moment.

[CazMar]

Originally Posted by sabredog

I am sure Kobo will find another retail outlet to sell their readers. In fact I imagine they are looking at expansion options at the moment.

I certainly hope so as they make a good and inexpensive product - ideal for students and those who just want a simple reader with no frills.