Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Kids Books Eating Music and Movies at Borders

The big wigs at Borders Booksellers realize that they're not doing too hot so they're banking on what is, children's and cook books. Since it appears they're sucking in the movies and music department, they're going to shrink those sections and expand the kids (including teens) area into that space. Room for more books! And there'll be cook books in there too.

Apparently they're finding out they're viewed more like a type of toy store than an actual book store. I don't necessarily see that (although I kind of do) but I've always felt Borders was disorganized in some way. Or too cluttered. I always felt anxious and hectic every time I went into one. Which is why I choose Barnes and Noble every time. Much calmer, peaceful and books overwhelm the place. Instead of the movies and music section dominating the center of the store, at BN it's tucked away in the back, where it should be. Because it's a book store. Not FYE.

If you had to choose between Borders and Barnes and Noble, which would you choose? Would you consider Borders because they're expanding they're kids and teen section?

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

We don't have Barnes and Noble down here in NZ, but we do have Borders. I only go into Borders if i've got a gift card or are clearing out stock. They're too expensive for my limited budget otherwise. But in reality, i only ever buy books on sale or with a gift card anyway. I'm not a target consumer for a bookstore, i don't think. Too cheap :D

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I love Borders, it's my favorite book store. I like the idea of expanding the teen section since that's what I buy the most there...but it's a bummer they aren't doing well with everything else. I buy c.d.'s there every now and then...B&N's music/movies are too expensive I think!!!

-Lauren

Alea said...

It's always been borders for me. Our Barnes and Noble is really small and rather cramped. Also, Borders has a better rewards program, it's free and you also get money back...! Why would I want to pay to get Barnes and Noble coupons and then not get anything in return, it doesn't make sense!

Anonymous said...

No Barnes & Nobles around here, but I do have a Borders nearby. It's where I do most of my writing and book buying. The Manga section on my store is huge and the kids love it. We do get a few Twilighters but not as many as I feared. Did get a lady (and by lady I mean 50ish) asking me about the latest movie (I got confused for an employee) in a gushing tone.

Yuck....

:D

Steph Su said...

I used to be a B&N girl, because that was the closest store to my house. Then I found out that Borders Membership is FREE (vs. B&N's $25 a year), and they send you coupons every week. That's it. And... I don't know. Beyond that? I don't really see much of a difference. But I can't afford to pay full price for books, and so I really appreciate those coupons that Borders sends. They help me out a lot (and it helps them out as well!).

Donna (Bites) said...

There seems to be a misconception about the BN membership! Yes, it costs $25 a year but you get 10% off every item you buy every time you use it. I made back that $25 on the first purchase I made with it. That's why I love it so much! It's a sale every time I go in there!

Alea said...

No I knew that's what the deal is, but with Borders you earn money back. So I probably get like $50+ a year back in straight borders bucks on top of the coupons and it's free! Though Borders program isn't with every purchase I already buy way too much as it is so it doesn't really limit me. Their coupons are like 25-40% off. Borders all the way! :P

Cindy said...

I think I love both, and it usually depends on who I'm with. I love going to Borders because of the atmosphere, although I don't like that the music/movies take so much space. I love the cute stuff they sell though :) I love going to B&N when I'm alone, because it is more relaxed, but the B&N I go to doesn't have as much comfort or places to sit like Borders. And anyways, I love getting Borders coupons and rewards :) So I gotta say Borders does it for me.

Shalonda said...

I am a Borders girl! How can you beat a FREE rewards program that provides coupons of 25-40% off every week???? I like the selection at my local B & N better, but at the end of the day the 10% off for $25 just isn't much of a deal to me.

Borders all the way!

Barbara said...

Both of those bookstores are all I have and I've had issues with both of them. Maybe it's just the one near me but Borders just confuses me with the way they shelve things or rather don't shelve things. It's tricky to find things in there but they do have those coupons and they don't charge for the card so ultimately Borders is better if you want to save money.

Donna (Bites) said...

Dammit, it does sound like Borders has the better program! I just don't like going into that store. I don't know why. But I love going in BN. Something about it is comforting to me. No clue.

Alea said...

I think I would enjoy Barnes and Noble a lot more if our local store wasn't so small! Sometimes I go to one downtown, it's two stories but I usually just browse and buy things at Borders lol!

Benjamin Solah said...

I'd choose Borders, but in Australia Borders is a bit different. The music and DVDs section is at the back of the store. And they actually have a horror section.

Plus, we don't have Barnes and Noble.

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