Borders going solo by Claudia Sonea

In 2005 after Barnes and Noble, Borders Group Inc. became the second-largest bookstore chain in the United States offering a variety of books, CDs, DVDs, and others through its 500 stores and 500 Waldenbooks and Borders Express stores. Three years later, Borders has trouble competing against Web retailers. Some of you might remember that in 2001 Borders turned to Amazon to put an end to its online business that became a money-eating machine. Due to the partnership we were able to order on Amazon.com and pick up the book at Borders store. Mainly, Amazon.com ensured the inventory, shipping and customer service for online orders. For seven years the deal seemed to be beneficial to both brands, yet Borders Group announced it has ended the partnership and taken control on its online operations by running its own e-commerce site and deliver through Baker and Taylor Inc. Amazon.com refused to comment on the matter. Rumor has it that the bookstore chain is in talks with none other than its rival Barnes and Noble Inc. Indeed two months ago Borders announced it is analyzing the possibility of selling itself, but who would have thought of such a partnership? Since 1971 the bookstore chain has went through many deals: 1991 was bought by Kmart, in 1995 it bought itself out, in 1998 created its subsidiary Borders UK Ltd., in 2001 with Amazon.com, in 2005 its first franchise with Malaysia's Berjaya Books Sdn. Bhd. Leaving aside all this, the company lasts for a very long time and most probably it will continue for many years from now in spite of all troubles.

related story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080527/ap_on_hi_te/borders_goes_online;_ylt=AkjfwTv44xcmFfezQrmJix2s0NUE

by Claudia Sonea for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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