Borders high street book stores are amazing - I could get lost in them for hours browsing all the different sections, books, music, computer games (Game), and even a paperchase store (I love paperchase!). I have always found the staff in Borders, and the Paperchase and Game concessions very helpful and knowledgeable. The Bournemouth branch has a starbucks cafe, and several seating areas to browse books. There are often good offers and discounts available and you can almost always find what you are looking for in terms of fiction, cookery and travel books. There is a large selection of Childrens books, and the Travel section is fantastic! I would like it if more Counselling, psychotherapy and Psychology books were available in store.

I have found that there are more of the text books I require available in the Borders online store - however after my first (and only) experience ordering from the store online - I will never do so again! I ordered 7 books, and used a discount voucher I had been sent by email. My order turned up several days late (which was unfortunate as I really needed one of the books to help me with an essay - and by the time it had arrived I had handed it in! - I know I was cutting it fine, but the delivery date assured me I would have at least 3 days to absorb the wisdom of my chosen book!). The packaging was poor and several of my books had damaged spines, and on top of that when the money was taken from my bank I found the discount from my voucher hadn't been taken into consideration!! I called the online store, and the staff member I spoke to was less than helpful. Apparently the books I chose weren't eligable for the discount (well it never told me when I ordered them!).

Basically I was furious with my online shopping experience, however I find the high street stores very satisfying. Shop on the high street or stick to Amazon I would say!