What’s wrong with Borders?
RE: What’s wrong with Borders
The article explains thusly :
Like Blockbuster, Borders (BGP, news, msgs) is getting hit by technological changes that leave it dazed and confused. First came the Internet, which brought the competitive pricing of Amazon. Lately, price competition has gotten even worse, with Wal-Mart slashing prices on best-sellers and Amazon matching the cuts.
Now Amazon’s e-book reader, the Kindle, is gaining in popularity. With the Kindle, readers just download books, which are sold at lower prices. Next, readers will be using computers and computer notebooks to do the same. All of this eviscerates the need for a brick-and-mortar bookstore such as Borders, with the high costs associated with stores and inventory, Stevens says.
Borders has dealt with these challenges by aggressively cutting costs. But it’s running out of room for that tactic, says Credit Suisse analyst Gary Balter.
This means that, for Borders, the final page is being written.
Borders responds that bookstores will continue to coexist with digital book formats and online vendors because people who love books will continue to seek “community,” or a place where “they can be surrounded by the books they love, meet others who share their passion for books and engage in the sheer joy and indulgence of spending hours exploring.”
Nothing...if they are protected and enforced.
I wouldn’t buy a product (usually at full retail) that a bunch of freeloaders are sitting around reading for free, soiling and thumbing the pages, all smug with their lattes. Amazon beats Borders and B&N’s asses because they provide great service at the best price (and free shipping for orders over $25 and NO SALES TAX). A lot of people must agree, otherwise Borders wouldn’t be in trouble. Borders has already filed bankruptcy in the UK.
Schools aren't producing literate kids. Additionally, I imagine they project online and digital book content to eliminate the need for hard print books.