Borders is in talks with restructuring specialists about disposing of some of its stores, although chief executive Philip Downer said no closures are imminent.
The bookseller also said that this month it has achieved its best market share increase in volume since 2007, and has this week revamped its website, offering 45,000 e-book titles.
Borders said it is in an ongoing process of disposing of its Books etc stores, but is also looking at options of streamlining its portfolio of larger Borders stores and is in talks with restructuring firm RSM Bentley.
Chief executive Philip Downer said: “Borders UK has disposed of the majority of the Books etc estate over the past 12 months, and the remaining small stores continue to be marketed. Any change to the current portfolio will be communicated first to our staff and our suppliers, but no immediate disposals are anticipated.”
He added that Borders has grown its market share by having a “very strong offer in children’s”.
He said: “We’ve been getting behind a number of new titles, especially prize winners.” Downer added that Borders’ marketing and store layout has contributed to the increase in market share. “It’s very satisfactory,” said Downer. “We have great offers for customers and they are voting with their feet.”
Changes to the website include tweaks to the design, giving pages a “clearer, brighter feel”, as well as introducing reviews and a product suggestion capability.
Borders UK has 41 larger-format Borders stores, and 10 stores under the Books etc and Borders Express fascias. Along with many retailers, Borders had its credit insurance scaled back this year. It has also made a series of head office redundancies in the past 12 months.
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