Should the deeply troubled Borders chain close, publishers will survive just fine. But for authors who don't have instant name recognition with book buyers, the loss of an outlet with scads of shelf and floor space is a serious blow. Plus, it's one less place where authors and readers can connect.
24/7 Wall St. recently looked at a number of large American companies, some of which are owned by foreign companies, to see which will disappear in 2011. It didn't take long to come up with a list of familiar names such as Sara Lee, Office Depot, Borders, E*Trade and five others.
Barnes & Noble had its best holiday season in over a decade with store sales up 9.7% over last year, and online sales soaring a whopping 67%.
The country's second-largest book retailer had been counting on a Christmas miracle to rescue it from deep financial doldrums. But the holiday season played Scrooge instead. Now, confronting a liquidity shortfall, a bankruptcy seems more likely than ever.
Holiday sales are historically make-or-break for many retailers, and every year, several break -- and even go out of business. Others make large cuts in their store numbers and employees. 24/7 Wall St. combed through the numbers and spotlights 10 retailers that won't look the same next year -- if they're even around.
The country's second-largest bookstore widened its third-quarter loss to nearly double that of a year ago. Even worse, the estimated value of its inventory has declined, making it harder for Borders to borrow money. Will the company find a way to transform itself?
When Barnes & Noble announced it was looking for a buyer, we entertained the fanciful notion that struggling rival Borders might put in a bid. As absurd as the idea was, that buyout offer has been made. Here's why it has virtually no chance of succeeding.
Hedge fund manger Bill Ackman says he will finance a takeover bid for rival bookseller Barnes & Noble at $16 a share -- a 20.5% premium over Friday's closing price. Faced with increased competition, B&N has seen sales plunge in recent quarters.
