Borders book store is closing its doors for good. And, that will put thousands of workers in the unemployment line. The Flowood store is one of almost 400 in the country set to close in the coming months.
The company just couldn't compete with giant Barnes and Noble and with on-line book and music sales. Tonight, close to 11-thousand employees have an uncertain future. The company tried to sell-off some stores and reorganize, but it wasn't enough to keep the company afloat. Later this week, Borders is expected to ask a bankruptcy judge permission to be sold to a liquidator.
There’s only one Borders in the Metro, and it's at Dogwood Festival in Flowood. It’s been there since 2002. An employee tells us they're still waiting on a closing date.
"It’s a very sad day," comments a customer.
Lynsie Armstrong and her friend leave the Borders store in Flowood. This could be one of their last times there.
"They offer pretty much anything that you need: movies, TV on DVD, music, as well as any books you'd like," explains Armstrong.
Borders is more than a place to shop. It’s also a place for social gatherings.
"It’s a place I’ve enjoyed hanging out and visiting and I’ve met a lot of friends there," adds Kim Hunt.
The rise in popularity of online sales and electronics books is to blame for the fall of Borders.
"People are using Kindles and Nooks. And, the idea of having a big store with a lot of employees and energy costs and rent costs doesn't make sense these days," continues Hunt.
Borders also has a coffee shop and offers free Wi-Fi to customers, things that many say they'll miss once it’s gone.
According to reports, liquidation sales could start as soon as Friday with stores closing by the end of September.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement