Border’s Decline

Posted by Bill Hennessy

March 7, 2006

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.�

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.�

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.�

“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.� �

I haven’t looked Border’s financial lately.� How are they doing?� I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re under performing the market.�

Again, too bad.� The idea has such promise.

UPDATE:� Border’s 52-week tracker:

�