Borders - Bankruptcy Imminent?

[atmail35]

I imagine most have already written off Borders between their Chapter 11 and the exclusion of LEGO from the regular coupons at the remaining stores, but for those that still have a vague interest...

Borders may close if no bidder emerges
bizjournals.com

Not at all surprising, but still....

This is disappointing...maybe they should bring back the toys/games coupons seeing that I've only bought one book since they discontinued the toy coupons.

[atmail35]

I was curious about what is going on w/ Borders and found this today - 51 more stores might close:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... 56944.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[peanut]

Does(did heheh) Borders mark up everything at their stores or is it only the toys?

[lordopus99]

Does(did heheh) Borders mark up everything at their stores or is it only the toys?

Everything.

[Mantisking]

Does(did heheh) Borders mark up everything at their stores or is it only the toys?

Everything.

Not from what I've seen. Most of the books and comic TPBs are cover price. Are you comparing them to Amazon by any chance?

[lordopus99]

Does(did heheh) Borders mark up everything at their stores or is it only the toys?

Everything.

Not from what I've seen. Most of the books and comic TPBs are cover price. Are you comparing them to Amazon by any chance?

At the time when I use to buy books (i.e. prior to my kindle), I compared it to Barnes and Nobles. I found them to be almost a dollar more for everything but magazines.

[atmail35]

It looks like Borders might be out of time....kind of sad really.

So if you have a gift card balance, I'd use it up ASAP.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industrie ... ptcy_n.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[GuaranteedUnity]

MSNBC is reporting all stores to close by the end of September:-

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43797505/ns ... umer_news/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Going by the previous rounds of closings, I'd expect all LEGO to be long gone before they drop to MSRP, let alone actual liquidation prices.

[Zeya]

I personally wouldn't waste much time trying to find a Lego deal at borders either. I heard stories from that initial wave of clearances/shutdowns and it was apparently a zoo. People were willing to stand in line for an hour just to buy a couple of paperbacks at Amazon prices.

I can't help but think that Borders is going the way of Blockbuster. Meaning, that the printed book retail industry is steadily being demolished by digitization. I find myself wanting a nook/kindle more and more these days. Alas, mortgage payments and Lego purchases keep me from dropping big coin on tablet thingies. :)

[atmail35]

I'm sad that Borders is closing. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Borders-C ... 8.html?x=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And I totally don't get why people think the liquidation prices are actually "good", at 20% off the stuff flies off the shelves and I have seen the line out the door. I totally don't get it, I guess those people don't realize that Borders used to issue 30/40/50% off coupons (when some stores remained opened).

Out of curiousity and since Borders is close to me, I'm going to check and see what is there tomorrow Lego-wise. I wonder if they don't sell the stock to other retailers (Goodwill, Building 19 for you NE folks, Tuesday Morning etc.). I don't get why people would buy Borders' Lego at MSRP (if 20% off Borders' list price) when TRU has B1G1 50% off, I guess people are dumb!

[atmail35]

Oh and I checked my account on-line yesterday and of course I have $5 borders bucks coming to me August 1st....I guess that won't be happening! :(

[Mantisking]

Oh and I checked my account on-line yesterday and of course I have $5 borders bucks coming to me August 1st....I guess that won't be happening! :(

As do I. I'm hoping they'll honor those before they close entirely.

[Sinfanti]

I remember visiting a Borders (AZ, across from Fiesta Mall) that was closing and had all their merchandise marked for clearance (no coupon stacking). There was another guy browsing sci-fi whose smart-phone had an Amazon app. He would scan the barcodes and compare Amazon's price to Borders' clearance price. In every case Amazon was the same or cheaper and that was before taking tax into account.

Sorry Borders, can't say I'll miss you.

[Mantisking]

I remember visiting a Borders (AZ, across from Fiesta Mall) that was closing and had all their merchandise marked for clearance (no coupon stacking). There was another guy browsing sci-fi whose smart-phone had an Amazon app. He would scan the barcodes and compare Amazon's price to Borders' clearance price. In every case Amazon was the same or cheaper and that was before taking tax into account.

Even including shipping?

[lordopus99]

Even including shipping?

Spend $25 (which most people due during clearance sales) and it's Free.

[atmail35]

My motto at Borders (for books, toys, anything) was to never buy something unless I used a coupon or if it was on clearance. Last year they sold a ton of toys and stuff for $1 or $2 and they were at MSRP of at least $10 or more.

[atmail35]

in case people aren't reading Sales and Deals ;)

http://ebm.e.borders.com/c/tag/hBOKNiQA ... A_20110721" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Liquidation starts Friday the 22nd. Gift cards are valid (but I'd still use them up ASAP). Rewards Plus discounts through 8/4 (the 5th will probably be when they move to the next level of discount).

Borders Bucks earned can be used until 7/31, which seems to mean those earned and available on Aug 1st will NOT be available for use :(