Book Giant Borders "Face Administration"

[Sylar]

I'm rather upset to note that Borders are facing administration if they cannot find a buyer - they've stopped taking online orders and it is expected that they may not last until Christmas, due to the likes of supermarkets and online retailers (Amazon) selling at much lower prices.

We have a big Borders just down the road from us and spend a lot of time there after work, as they also have a Starbucks - every time I need a book (if it's not specialised), I tend to use them, despite the chance that I could possibly get it cheaper online.

I'll be rather annoyed if another large book retailer are allowed to go under, as it will give Waterstones (the ultimate in overpriced book stores) a complete monopoly!

Borders in Trouble (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8376394.stm)

[matty_f]

I'm rather upset to note that Borders are facing administration if they cannot find a buyer - they've stopped taking online orders and it is expected that they may not last until Christmas, due to the likes of supermarkets and online retailers (Amazon) selling at much lower prices.

We have a big Borders just down the road from us and spend a lot of time there after work, as they also have a Starbucks - every time I need a book (if it's not specialised), I tend to use them, despite the chance that I could possibly get it cheaper online.

I'll be rather annoyed if another large book retailer are allowed to go under, as it will give Waterstones (the ultimate in overpriced book stores) a complete monopoly!

Borders in Trouble (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8376394.stm)

Nightmare! I got a voucher for my birthday so I better spend it pronto!

[Phil D. Rolls]

As someone who enjoyed the film "You Got Mail" I have mixed feelings. The good thing about Borders is that you can spend ages browsing. The bad thing is that wee books shops can't compete.

[matty_f]

As someone who enjoyed the film "You Got Mail" I have mixed feelings. The good thing about Borders is that you can spend ages browsing. The bad thing is that wee books shops can't compete.

Nonsense! Wee book shops go into administration all the time!

[ArabHibee]

I'm rather upset to note that Borders are facing administration if they cannot find a buyer - they've stopped taking online orders and it is expected that they may not last until Christmas, due to the likes of supermarkets and online retailers (Amazon) selling at much lower prices.

We have a big Borders just down the road from us and spend a lot of time there after work, as they also have a Starbucks - every time I need a book (if it's not specialised), I tend to use them, despite the chance that I could possibly get it cheaper online.

I'll be rather annoyed if another large book retailer are allowed to go under, as it will give Waterstones (the ultimate in overpriced book stores) a complete monopoly!

Borders in Trouble (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8376394.stm)

Didn't know there was a Borders in Broughty Ferry now! :cool2::wink:

[Beefster]

Although I rarely use either Waterstones or Borders, I've always found their prices pretty similar. Both are overpriced unless it is some of the stock that they're pushing in their '3 for 2' deals.

Amazon for mainstream books and Blackwells or the Book Depository for specialised ones is the way forward.

[ginger_rice]

Nonsense! Wee book shops go into administration all the time!

:faf::faf:

[Hibs Class]

Administration now confirmed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8380268.stm

[steakbake]

In a Broons-like ironic way, it was the books what did for them in the end.

Wonder how many staff are getting their jotters? Not the sort of bind you want to get into before Christmas etc.

Saw an interesting section on the politics programme on Sunday looking at different outcomes from the Woolworths closure. Those who just got on with stuff and were out looking for jobs in the days immediately after are now largely back in work. Those who waited around to be helped or didn't get over it are generally now still looking for work.

Good luck to them all.

[CheesyHibby]

Sad news, as they employ a lot of people. Does this signal the demise of bookshops in competition to online retailers like Amazon coupled with GoogleBooks, Project Gutenberg and other online resources? Although I think personally there will always be a need for books, just a reflection of a decreasing demand perhaps.

[duncs]

Sad news, as they employ a lot of people. Does this signal the demise of bookshops in competition to online retailers like Amazon coupled with GoogleBooks, Project Gutenberg and other online resources? Although I think personally there will always be a need for books, just a reflection of a decreasing demand perhaps.

Agree. What is surprising is that isn't happened sooner - chain bookshops are a rip-off, when was the last time you saw something there that was cheaper than online?

The problem is that online bookshops are terrible for browsing, on Amazon for example, you're unlikely to buy anything other that what you logged on for.

As David Hepworth in Word magazine has pointed out though, there is no danger of physical books disappearing in this day and age despite the appearance of Kindle and eReaders etc (which I imagine will be strictly a work tool) as there is something inherently romantic and show-offish in physically carrying a book.

[CheesyHibby]

Aye I spose being 'cuddled up with a good laptop' doesn't quite have the same ring to it!