Borders (UK)
 | This article needs to be updated. |
| File:Borders logoUK.gif | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | 69 stores (2008) |
Key people | Luke Johnson, Chairman Philip Downer, CEO |
| Products | Books, CDs, DVDs, Periodicals, Gift Cards |
| Parent | Risk Capital Partners 83% Borders Group 17% |
| Website | http://www.borders.co.uk |
Borders (UK) Ltd. was established as a Borders Group subsidiary in 1998 and is now one of the country's leading booksellers. With its 41 Borders and 28 Books etc. stores, the UK division trades on over one million square feet of retail space to take around 8% of the retail bookselling market. They also operate one single store in the Republic of Ireland.
A typical Borders store in the UK contains both a Paperchase stationery, and Starbucks cafe concession. In addition some stores now also contain a GAME video games concession.
The logo contains both the Books etc. logo and the Borders logo to reflect the fact that that Borders UK operates two different brands.
Mission
As stated on the Borders website:
To be the best-loved provider of books, music, films, and other entertainment and informational products and services. To be the world leader in selection, service, innovation, ambiance, community involvement, and shareholder value. We recognise people to be the cornerstone of the Borders experience by building internal and external relationships, one person at a time.[1]
History
In September 2007, Borders (UK) Ltd. was acquired by Luke Johnson's London-based private equity investor Risk Capital Partners in a deal purportedly worth £20 million. Bookshop Acquisitions Ltd. - a subsidiary of Risk Capital Partners - was specifically set up for the purchase and the deal included the right to use the Borders and Books etc. brand names consistent with the brand.[2] Under the deal, Borders will receive an equity interest of about 17% in Bookshop Acquisitions. [3]
In January 2008, David Roche stepped down as C.E.O. of Borders (UK) and was promptly replaced by the chain's former managing director, Philip Downer. Upon his appointment, Downer called for a category review of the entire company although he made it clear there were no immediate plans to further change the structure of the business.[4]
Subsequently, it was announced in March 2008 that Borders UK planned to close its distribution centre (based in Cornwall) on 29 August, in favour of having publishers and wholesalers deliver direct to its stores. This being the exact opposite decision of Waterstone's who plan to test and open their own distribution centre from the end of May.[5]
In July 2008, Borders took a bold step into the land of e-commerce; In a bid to try to take back a share of internet sales of books, the beta testing of their new transactional website commenced, due for full completion before the end of the month.
Awards
The British Book Awards
Bookselling Chain of the Year 2005 & 2006
Bowker Bookselling Company of the Year 2006 & 2007
Children's Retailer of the Year 2007
Magazine Destination Retailer of the Year 2007