Why They Keep Saying Borders Is Going To Go Out Of Business

[kiya]

After reading various things, it became clear that it was essential for me to acquire a copy of Among Others, even though I am not so much with the fiction-ready these days.

We had a Borders gift card with a couple of bucks on it and a discount coupon that expired today, so artan_eter and the wigglet and I went trucking off to Borders. (We often take her out on random small expeditions to give her a change of scene. She had just gotten back from the wild and exciting grocery store.)

Did not spot it in the F&SF section. There was no "new science fiction" shelf. Did not spot it in the new releases section. Checked the store computer, which directed to borders.com, which said "Available for pre-order! In stores January 18th!" (Which at least confirmed my prior declaration that it came out two days ago.) Flagged down a store minion.

Store minion got into the "stuff actually present in this store" in the computer and looked it up. "We don't have any copies."

"Oh, that's unfortunate," I said.

"Let me see if any other stores have it ...." She looked it up. "Huh. Nobody has it on order, either. Let me call Inventory Dude."

Inventory Dude had not heard of it either.

She asked if I was sure that it was out yet. Yes, reviews are why I was going to get it. Yes, borders.com said that it was supposed to be out 18 January, it is 20 January now.

"Huh. Well, I'm sure we'll get it in if it's popular...."

I thanked her for her time.

We went to Barnes and Noble, and checked with the front desk to be sure they had it in. Oh yes, check under 'Walton' in the new science fiction section, that's upstairs by the silver pillar, oh you know where it is? Great, thanks.

They had something like six copies.

Now they have something like five.

Comments

[ardaniel]

I totally need Among Others.

[hawlla.livejournal.com]

I preferred BN because they were always incredibly helpful (down south). However, when I moved up here, I realized that the price variances were exceptional. I decided that Borders was where my loyalties lie. And honestly? My loyalties only go in that direction because I LOVEDLOVEDLOVED Waldenbooks.

[hairmonger.livejournal.com]

Here (both Louisville and Lexington, since I live in between) the names would have to be reversed. B&N? No clue. Borders? Fairly helpful, but understaffed.

Mary Anne in Kentucky