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Borders Group death rattle?

Since the Chronicle’s comment policy rather perversely prevents them from allowing comments on articles like this which are of obvious local interest, let me say here, thank you Borders Group, for your efforts in destroying 96% of your market capitalization in the last year.

If there is a way to save Borders, surely it is to cut out all the CDs, to cut out all the ancillary products, to cut out international operations, and to focus on being a full-service bookstore in the US. Amazingly, Foresee results still list Borders and Barnes and Noble as global leaders in customer satisfaction, and Borders still has great bookstore locations in most major US cities. Build on what you have.

The Ann Arbor Chronicle » A2: Borders Group
… a press release from Borders Group that announces a new CEO and other management changes at the beleaguered Ann Arbor-based bookstore chain. Ron Marshall, founder of the private equity firm Wildridge Capital Management, has replaced George Jones as president and CEO. Jones had been in that job since July 2006. In a statement, Borders board chairman Larry Pollock says: “Progress has been made by Borders Group over recent quarters within the challenging economy to reduce debt, improve cash flow, cut expenses, enhance inventory productivity and improve margins, but it is imperative that the company more aggressively attack these initiatives to address its long-term future.” Borders also reported a double-digit sales decline for the holiday period ending Jan. 3

Borders showing movies on the deck of the Titanic

Wow, this is horrible news for Borders shareholders. What a sad, desperate company it has become. Sell.

Borders Hopes for 8th Day Film Deal – 7/15/2008 12:48:00 PM – Publishers Weekly

[Borders pr] said CEO George Jones and executive v-p of merchandising and marketing Rob Gruen “are managing the film rights.” (Jones and Gruen both have backgrounds in retailing; Jones previously ran Warner Brothers studio stores, and Gruen worked at Target and at Warner Brothers.) The statement added that even with the potential film sale, Borders will continue to focus on its core book business and in executing its cash flow and expense reduction initiatives.