Bordering on the perfect location for Book Addicts (Borders in general)

Member Name: Vixstar

Product:	Borders in general
Date:	13/08/09 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Size; interest areas covered; coffee shop

Disadvantages: Limited number of copies of books; RRP on most items

I confess I'm a book addict, I have too many that I haven't read and enough to keep me in good reading material for ages, but I still can't resist visiting a well stocked bookshop and perhaps picking up one of two more interesting volumes to add to my to be read pile. One of the shops that I'll pay a visit to no matter where in the country I am to get my book fix (and to satisfy a caffeine craving but more of that later) is Borders. I have visited several Borders stores round the country so will generalise based on my experiences, however please remember there may be slight variations from store to store depending mostly on size.

*Stores*

These are often found in out of town shopping complexes but may also be in the town centre if a large enough location can be found, this is the case in Oxford. The outside of the shop is usually consists of large glass windows full of product displays in order to tempt the unwary book purshaser in. Borders stores are very large and spacious, no cosy book corners or smell of musty books here. Shelves on the walls of the shops are satisfying tall, those on the main floor of the shop are dessigned so that most people of about 5 foot 3 and over can see over them adding to the sense of spaciousness.

*Stock*

I'll go into detail about the ever present books in a minute but first a few words on the other items you will find in Borders.

All the stores I have visited have had a very comprehensive magazine section with pretty much every possible interest area covered, except top shelf I would imagine, and with several American versions of magazines also stocked. There is also a small Paperchase concession within the store, so not only can you buy a book as a gift you can also buy the wrapping paper and card for the recipient and the pens to write the dedication with. In some stores a small Game concession has appeared selling a selection of the goods you would expect to find in Game. There are also several shelves of DVDs and CDs although I can't really comment on these as I buy these from other cheaper, retailers. I know Borders also have a fairly limited selection of audiobooks but these can often be difficult to find, last time went into the store I gave up trying to find them. Previously I have bought audiobooks from Borders and I found that they are sold at RRP mostly but there are some very good offers to be had on certain audiobooks.

And then there's the books. I have found that all stores stocks a wide range of books covering a wide variety of topics. Obviously in the smaller stores the sections are more limited, with maybe only a couple of small shelves deicated to each interest area, and even the bigger stores will only display one copy of less popular books. On entering the stores you are greeted by several tables displaying current books which are on offer -either BOGOF or 3 for 2 or money off - and shelves containing the most popular books in fiction, fact and childrens. Further into the shop there are also tables dottted around with sale books on - these may have very limited appeal but are worth a look as there are some serious reductions. Near the entrance there is also a table of local interest type books, quite often including books on the town you are in.

I did notice when in Borders earlier this week that they have made a little forray into electronics and were selling electronic picture frames and the e book reader. As I wasn't wanting these I didn't find out any more but I think they are fairly new products as when checking the Borders website for something else I did notice that the e book reader itself wasn't available online but they did have a section of the website devoted to e books.

*Staff*

As a books addict I am most happy when wandering aimlessly round the store and as such I haven't made many demands on the staff however, I do have a few observations. The stores appear well staffed with the tills well manned during busy periods and staff easy to identify, from this I would surmise that if you needed help someone would be easy to track down. My second point is that the staff do not mind people browsing the books and looking through several volumes, whilst looking for a suitable travel guide I spent a significant amount of time flicking through all there guides on the area but no one appeared to try to hurry me along which I appreciate.

*Other Stuff*

I said I'd mention the coffee craving again and here I go... one of the nicest thing about borders shops and the thing that makes them really stand out is that every store has a Starbucks in it. This has two advantages firstly, you can quench your thirst and consider how many books you really need to buy in there and secondly it's a great way to distract non book lovers that you may have had to take into Borders with you. Many of the Starbucks have magazines for you to browse and I think it may also be acceptable for you to browse through articles you have not purchased whilst drinking your coffee (as long as you are careful) judging from the friendly signs advising you not to take unpurchased items into the toilets with you. But please do not quote me on this as I have not tested the staff's tolerance to this (yet).

Borders also have a loyalty scheme, provide them with your e mail address and they will give you advance warning of offers and send you special loyalty offers.

*Summary*

Borders isn't a super cheap bookseller, excepting the short term offers on books, but they do have an exceptionally good range of books and the spacious feel of the shops make them easy to browse. If I'm looking for a slightly obscure book it is my first choice book shop.

Summary: A modern bookshop where the bookworm can spend many happy hours