When I first visited the University of Michigan in 1990, my father and I spent hours wandering through a huge, well organized bookstore that felt unlike anything we had ever experienced. It was Borders Books. At the time, the Ann Arbor store was the only store the company owned, though it began its expansion while I was an undergrad. The company is now a behemoth, but has fallen into trouble as it has struggled to keep in sync with creative class consumers.
A piece by Jeffery A. Trachtenberg in the Wall Street Journal outlines the company’s new strategic moves as it attempts to raise profit margins, market share, and better exploit new markets in digital entertainment and commerce. While this sounds pretty straightforward, will this be enough to pull in more creative class consumers? From the article,
‘For six years, Borders Group
Inc. has pursued a distinctly unfashionable strategy: betting big on
bricks and mortar while paying little attention to the online world.
But with online sales capturing an ever-increasing share of the book
business, the No. 2 book retailer is reversing course.
Today, Borders announced its intention to reopen its own branded e-commerce Web site in early 2008, ending an alliance with Amazon.com
Inc. that had been the core of its online strategy. At the same time,
it announced it is giving up on a decade-long effort to expand its own
book-superstore concept internationally and will sell or franchise most
of its 73 overseas Borders stores. The company also plans to close
nearly half the Waldenbooks outlets it owns throughout the U.S.Additionally, in a move mirroring a similar venture by its larger rival, Barnes & Noble
Inc., Borders plans to build a much bigger proprietary publishing
operation by striking deals with Hollywood writers, celebrities and
best-selling authors.
…To make its U.S. stores more attractive, Borders is
working on a prototype of a new superstore design that will include a
digital center. The centers will enable customers to purchase a variety
of digital products, including music and audiobooks, and provide such
services as personal publishing. The first of the new concept stores
will open next year.
Borders is also expected to reduce the number of CDs
it stocks, reflecting a gradual decline in CD sales as more people get
their music from the Web. Mr. Jones isn’t backing away from music
completely, though. Noting that music is central to the Borders
shopping experience, he says, "We are looking to get into the
downloading business."’
While this all sounds fine and good, it sounds like
they are cleaning out the junk and trying to follow what Barnes &
Noble has done.
One thought I had when reading the piece was that Borders
should go back to their roots. The article explains that they were
started in 1971 as a used book shop. While the two brothers who founded
the store are no longer around, it might be wise to steal a page from
their old playbook. Why doesn’t Borders start accepting trade ins (ie
also selling used books)? Academic bookstores (probably the original Borders) have been doing this forever. We know from Amazon marketplace, Half.com, and others that there
is a huge supply and demand for used books — imagine how much larger
that market would become if it were physically located in Border’s
stores and thus there was another, simple way to engage in the used book trade?
The margins would likely be higher on used books for
Border’s than they are on new books, the company would be offering
something its competitors don’t, and they could lock in more customers
as proceeds to customers from their trade ins could be distributed via
‘Borders Dollars’ or rewards?
Just thinking out loud here, and book industry folks
will probably say that the publishing industry would retaliate against
Borders, but creative class consumers don’t care about that. They will
continue to spend their dollars with retailers and producers that not
only meet their needs, but offer something innovative and in line with
their lifestyles and consuming patterns.
posted by David
March 24th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
David,
I don’t know if you know about Powell’s. Back about 30 years ago bookseller Michael Powell started stocking new and used books side by side on the same shelves, solving the problems of new bookstores (price) and used bookstores (selection). Powell’s City of Books is now the nation’s largest independent bookstore and probably Portland’s leading tourist attraction.
Powells sells internationally, in bulk, sending containers of used books to developing countries where people want to learn English. They’re also into internet sales in a big way. It’s only a matter of time before the big stores copy this.
On the other hand, the rise of Amazon and Border’s discounting has been the demise of many small bookstores, a blow to many cities intellectual culture.
March 24th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
All the ideas in this post make sense. But why can’t I go online – see what’s available in local store, order it and drive through and pick it up? If there was one national retailer that would allow me to do that I would aggregate all my book spend with them.
There are days I want to linger and browse but most of the time I pull my list of books together, go to the book store, have problems finding the books, find they don’t have what I want, leave and go order it at Amazon. If I could see they have it ahead of time I’d order all of them and go get the ones they have at the store and have the others shipped.
Same would apply with the used content. I would be able to see new vs. used, choose the one I want and order for delivery or pick up.
Or maybe Borders can become the local booksellers best friend by linking their inventory to their website and referring them in the local market – take a small cut and allow the local stores to focus on their specific niche. Sort of a “long tail” application with Borders being the aggregator of local book information.
March 24th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
Thanks for the comments. Paul, great thought. I have always though drive thru use has been too limited (food, drugs, some dry cleaners,etc.) Maybe the folks in Ann Arbor can answer your question for us. That is a problem that I too have experienced. They could set up little kiosks (like the old photohuts) or have curbside pickup.
Michael — I have been to a Powells in Chicago. Don’t know if it is the same store? I think the most mind blowing bookstore I have ever been to is the strand in NY…. they have over 18 miles of books. I will have to check out Portland’s Powells next time I am there.
http://www.strandbooks.com/
March 25th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
This sent me to Powell’s website where I found these (I knew Michael started in Chicago.) Yes, it’s the same Powells and they use Paul’s idea for local shoppers (which I didn’t know about — thanks).
“Powell’s roots began in Chicago, where Michael Powell, as a University of Chicago graduate student, opened his first bookstore in 1970………” Now six stores in Portland area, including the full block by 3-4 stories City of Books, plus internet. I don’t know how Powells compares to Strand, which I think I’ve visited.
And here’s Paul’s idea for local shoppers: “How In-Store Pickup Works: It’s easy! Simply shop for your books at Powells.com and select “store pickup” as your shipping method when you checkout. Let Powell’s gather your books while you go about your regularly scheduled life. When your order is ready, you’ll be notified by email. Retrieve your order at the location you specified in checkout within two weeks of the notification.”
http://www.powells.com/
March 26th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
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September 16th, 2007 at 5:45 am
Greetings to all,
I would like to begin by saying, 2007 is going to be a great year. But much work had to be done.
On October 26, 2006 Oprah presented a show which spoke about HIV/AIDS. Present speakers were Magic Johnson, speakers from POZ magazine and 6 women who have HIV/AIDS. The show was excellent, and I concur and I am also trying to send out the same message that was presented on the show, in which I write to you today.
My name is Venus Perez. I am 41 years old and I am diagnosis with AIDS since 1987. I was exposed by an ex-partner who died in 1987. Many people I knew with the disease are no longer alive. 2 other people, and myself are long term survivors of this disease. Just like a person who is going through the stages of death and dying, many HIV/AIDS individuals get stuck in these stages. HIV/AIDS has changed America. For 25 year it has brought out the worst in us at first, but ultimately brought out the best, and transformed the nation. Its mark has affected our history, culture and our souls. I am presently disabled but my health has improved tremendously.
I try to be very active in the community assisting other nonprofit organizations as a Certified HIV Pre & Post Tester and a HIV Support Group Facilitator.
My reason for my letter is because your organization is always striving to give useful information to the public audience. I have used the information in this book in a recent summer series 2006 in which, empowered many individuals and families infected and affected with this disease. Normally I would not expose my disease to the world because of the stigma that comes with it, But in 2007 I am asking community members to step up and help us to make a difference with this pandemic. I am only one person, and boy can I use the help.
Unfortunately, it will a long time until a vaccine is found. My concern is, with all the HIV/AIDS information on the internet unfortunately, many people do not have access to a computer or the information available. People will perish for lack of knowledge.
Statistics: Quick Notes
As it is written on the
Kaiser Family Foundation: HIV/AIDS Policy Fact Sheet-December 2006
Women and Young People
*Among Women, Latinas account for 16% of new AIDS cases in 2005. Black women account for 67% and white women account for 16%. (1,7,9)
*Latinas represent 22% of AIDS cases diagnosed among Latinos in 2005.: by comparison, white women represent 14% of cases among whites, and Black women represent 35% of cases diagnosed among Blacks (1,9)
*The AIDS case rate per 100,000 among Latinas (26.4) was nearly 6 times higher than the case rate for white women (2,1).(1,9)
Latino teens, aged 13-19, accounted for 14% of AIDS cases among teens compared to 16% of all U.S teens in 2004. (2)
Latinos aged 20-24 accounted for 23% of new AIDS Cases reported among young adults, but represented 18% of U.S young adults, in 2004 (2)
References Sources:
1- CDC, HIV/AIDS Surveilance Report, Vol. 17 2006
2- CDC, HIV/AIDS Surveilance in Adolescents and Young Adults (Through 2004)
7- Calculations based only on cases for which race/ethnicity data were provided
9- Inlcudes reported cases among those 13 year of age and older. Estimates do not include cases from the U.S dependencies, possessions, and associated nations, and cases of unknown residence.
Kaiser Family Foundation:
http://www.kff.org
I always try to utilize my time wisely in which I published a book-I’m Still Here-which discusses the history, testimony, education, outcomes and strengths of people living with HIV/AIDS. Visit my website: http://www.venusperez.com more details future down the page.
NOW AVAILABLE I’m Still Here: The History, Testimony, Education, Outcomes, and Strengths of people Living with HIV/AIDS
For FAST delivery order from us direct!!
Visit our Bookstore Shops:
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The history, testimony, education, outcomes, and strengths of people living with HIV/AIDS.
——————————————————————————–
Read more!
About the Book About the Author Excerpts
About the Book
The year is 2006. We have come so far yet we are not quite there. Many lives were lost yet many still live. Many know the means of transmission, yet many neglect to follow it. Many of us live the fast life, looking for excitement, for success. We are constantly searching for that missing part that dwells deep inside, each one of us. For many of us, we are lost, broken, unloved, discriminated, depressed and angry. We are still in denial, shunned by society as lepers were years ago.
We are individuals with HIV/AIDS. We are part of the world, and each one of us is loved by GOD, our creator, no matter who we are, or what disease we may have. We are part of this world, and this society. Our lives have meaning, and each one of us can make a difference. I would like to take you on a journey, where you can experience the history, the struggles, trials and outcomes. Our testimonies, weaknesses, strengths, and our never ending hope for tomorrow.
——————————————————————————–
About the Author
V. Perez was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and is of Hispanic heritage. She attended FDR High School and Kingsborough Community College. She worked as a bookkeeper for 15 years. In expanding her education she attended Willsey Institute in 2001 for Nursing, Phlebotomy and EKG certification. Ms. Perez along with her husband and daughter relocated to Florida in 2003. She completed training HIV 500/501 and is presently a volunteer certified pre & post counselor and tester. She is a volunteer Program Director of The Place of Comfort and Executive Director of Easy Access Resource, Not-for-profit agencies assisting individuals who are medically frail in providing resource needs in crisis situations. She was an appointed member to the Orlando Eligible Metropolitan areas EMA HIV Health Services Planning Council and CFAP Consortia, She is also a representative to the Seminole County community. She is a sponsor to the Children’s Miracle Network, International Fellowship of Christian and Jews, volunteer for the Coalition for the Homeless on Central Florida. She is a first time Author. She is a Christian.
http://www.venusperez.com – horizonbyv@aol.com
——————————————————————————–
Excerpts
Happy Times/Happy Herald- The Good News Newspaper
August 13, 2007
http://www.happyherald.com/index.html
http://www.happyherald.com/featured1.htm
Excitement filled the kitchen as women chefs from all over the world competed in a first of a kind recipe challenge…
Venus was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987. She considers herself here for a reason – to advocate and educate.
Once upon a time, I was born. Somewhere. No one knows where or how or to whom…
Championing A Cause Encourages Community
By Theresa Sweeney
Venus Perez, a twenty year survivor, author and educator of AIDS.
Venus Perez is 41 years old. That itself is unremarkable, until you add the fact that she is a 20 year survivor of AIDS.
Venus was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, after being exposed by an ex-partner who died that same year. Besides herself, she knows of only two other people who are long term survivors of this disease. Sadly, everyone else has passed away. She considers herself here for a reason – to advocate and educate.
“Normally I would not expose my disease to the world because of the stigma that comes with it, but I want to make a difference,” she says.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Venus attended FDR High School, and Kingsborough Community College. She was a Bookkeeper for 15 years and is also a Singer and Songwriter. She later received training as an HIV Client Centered Counselor and Tester, and was educated in Domestic Violence, and HIV Transmission, Prevention and Legal Issues.
Venus fears that people are perishing for lack of knowledge of this disease. “My concern is that there is all this HIV/AIDS information on the Internet, but unfortunately many people do not have access to a computer,” she says. To counter back, she wrote a book. It’s titled, “I’m Still Here” and deals with the history, testimony, education, outcomes and strengths of people living with HIV/AIDS. Always striving to give useful information to the public, Venus used the stories in the book in a recent summer series called, Reaching New Horizons, to empower many individuals and families infected and affected by this illness.
Venus has devoted countless hours as a volunteer for The Place of Comfort, and Easy Access Resource, Inc. (www.easyaccessresourceinc.org) – both not-for-profit agencies assisting individuals and families with food and community resource needs in crisis situations. On February 8, 2007, she was awarded the Unsung Hero Award, by the Heart of Florida United Way and The Central Florida AIDS Planning Consortium. The award recognized her valuable contributions in advocating for the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, impacting communities within which they live, and for exhibiting a commitment to preventing the spread of HIV infection through outreach and education.
“HIV/AIDS has changed America and the world,” she says. “For 25 years it seemed to bring out the worst in us, but ultimately, it brought out the best, and transformed the nation. AIDS has left its mark on our history, culture and souls.”
Venus is presently disabled, but her health has improved tremendously. She is optimistically pursuing new goals for 2007. With the help of Carlos Ayala, Director and Founder of HIV-AIDS-Help-Desk.com, she is focused on answering daily email questions from individuals wanting further information. She is also busy marketing her book, which recently made the list of Top 30 most popular bestseller AIDS items on Amazon.com.
Venus considers herself just one person trying to change the world for the better. I like to stay low key, but I pack a punch!” she says. “I will continue to proceed forward with my family on my quest to make a difference. Hoping that others will see my passion and unite with me as one – reaching out to outside sources, community partners, community liaison partners, clinics and RN’s. I want people to realize and be inspired that though I ventured out on my own with no funding, I am still able to make a difference in 5 Florida counties – Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Lake and Brevard.”
“Unfortunately, it will a long time until a vaccine is found,” she says, expressing concern about where future leaders will come from. “I am very sympathetic to the current Case Managers with the tremendous case loads they carry – those people who go the extra mile and are willing to work together towards a common goal and not for their own personal gain or a paycheck. My question is: Where are the incentives from long term sponsors for future replacements for peers, advocates, and case managers for the future of HIV/AIDS? Who are the teachers for the future generations?
When I went to the Ryan White All Titles meeting held on March 28, 2007, Ryan’s mother, Jeanie White, was present. I cried like a baby when I watched the video of Ryan. After the video I approached Jeanie and thanked her. She has been the leading force through all the years. She understands! She is driven by Ryan and will be for the rest of her life. How do I know this? When I looked in her eyes I did not see business or politics as some might call it. I saw her heart and I saw Ryan. United Hearts is what will get us through the next generation.”
You can contact Venus at VenusPerez@aol.com.
NEW RELEASES OF BOOK & MUSIC CD: “MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN & MUSIC CD- “HEAVEN IN YOUR HEART BY Venus Perez of Easy Access Resource, Inc
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: Book
Book-Miracles Still Happen
Chapter topics consist of:
* WHAT IS A MIRACLE
* RECORDED MIRACLES
* GOD vs SATAN MIRACLES
* MIRACLES THROUGH DESTINY
* THE SUBWAY ANGEL
* FEEDING THE MIND
* KEYS TO MIRACLES-FAITHFULNESS AND PRAYER
* MIRACLE REFERENCES
DISCLAIMER AND POINTS OF REFERENCE
Music CD- Heaven In Your Heart
Songs consist of:
*HEAVEN IN YOUR HEART
*THE WAY WE WERE
*SHOW MUST GO ON
*COME SAIL AWAY
*DREAM WEAVER
*YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE
Book- I’m Still Here
The History, Testimony, Education, Outcomes
and Strengths of people living with HIV/AIDS
Chapter topics consist of:
*Snapshots of Modern HIV/AIDS
*HIV/AIDS Nutrition
*Testimony/Myself
*What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You! (STD’s)
*Achieving Your Goals
*Learn and Teach Others
*Points of Reference & Disclaimer
*About The Author.
Music CD- I’m Still Here
Songs consist of:
*I’ll Stand by You
*Both Sides Now
*Arms of an Angel
*Wind Beneath my Wings
*I’m Still Here-(original)
*The Wonder of it All
*I’ve Been Searching so Long
*Who Wants to Live Forever
For FAST delivery you can
now purchase Venus Perez’
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Thank you for standing with us to make a difference and for your time to read this email and for your support.
Regards,
Venus Perez
Author of book-I’m Still Here
Email: horizonbyv@aol.com
Websites:
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