Border’s Decline
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The first few times I was in a Border’s megastore, I was thoroughly impressed. I love books to the point that merely entering a bookstore or library can send me into physical spasms. Border’s was clean and new yet comfortably old from front to back and top to bottom. The remainder section had books I wanted for under $5.00.Â
In the Literature, History, Political/Social Science, and Religion sections were comfortable chairs or sofas where one could sit and read a book in a bookish environment.Â
On checking out, the cashiers were eager to stuff your bag with free book marks and other freebies. Everyone was polite.
Only the politeness remains.
Gone is the furnture. The sofas and easy chairs have been replaced with more product stuffed into every available cranny. The stores seem more modern, more like Wal-Mart and less like Target. They seem cheap, corporate, and fast. I get the feeling that they really just want you get your damn book and get the hell.Â
“Border’s is not a lounge,” the store yells.
It’s too bad for me. Between marriages, I liked to sit at the Border’s in Ballwin and read books that I knew, were I to buy, I’d never read. I’d show up late–it was open later back then–and find an unpopular cove to haunt with Chaucer or Homer. It was decious. Out of guilt, I’d buy a book I would read at home, usually C. S. Lewis or Nelson DeMille. Â
I haven’t looked Border’s financial lately. How are they doing? I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re under performing the market.Â
Again, too bad. The idea has such promise.
UPDATE:Â Border’s 52-week tracker:
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