WSJ: List of Borders bookstores closing down.
2 years ago - 
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5 Over-investment in music - while this was a big plus for this in the early to mid 90’s, this was a disaster in the long run. This is basically why the stores were too big once the music business cratered. So, stores were sized and modeled to provide a large music CD business which largely disappeared. In addition, infrastructure was sized to support this, including a dedicated warehouse distribution facility. This last part has been addressed over time, but soaked up money, time, and energy. Note that music was also part of what made Borders a destination for many customers, so when music sales tanked, other product categories’ sales suffered as well.
One of six reasons why Borders failed, according to Mark Evans, the franchise’s former Director of Merchandise Planning and Analysis.
2 years ago - 1
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Chain bookstores in Australia not doing too hot either.
Oh dear:
Angus & Robertson and Borders are now apparently ordering books in very small quantities — “one or two at a time” — and stock is being turned over much more often. A senior book publishing source says this is affecting the company’s brand, especially Borders.
The Borders that I visit the most often in Carlton (and by most often, I mean once a month and only if I’m catching a movie at Cinema Nova) has undergone a facelift - the travel and young adult sections are segregated in their own rooms and a lot more space is devoted to fancy stationery displays. It actually feels more comfortable, so it’s a pity that there will be fewer books left to browse.
Amazon headbutts Borders, drops price of Kindle to $189.
Whatchu waiting for? It’s cheaper than the iPad!
2 years ago - 1
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