Ok, so they’re still firing people, and that’s definitely not good. But Shelf Awareness reports that Borders also announced:
…the company is “moving to more frequent replenishment order cycles–about three times faster than in the past–and with a far greater level of automated ordering. This will mean fewer out-of-stocks, faster response to sales trends and more predictable order flow. Not only will this change help us drive sales, but it will also improve inventory productivity and reduce returns, driving efficiencies for both our company and yours.”
From what I’ve seen and heard from some authors, some stores weren’t carrying the stock they previously had and many new books were on backorder for two to three weeks, meaning customers would have to go to the store, request a title they couldn’t find on the shelves, then wait more than a week, then go back to the store to finally pick it up. Assuming they didn’t just drive home and order from Amazon.
In other Borders news, paranormal sales in 2008 were up more than 30% from the previous year, and Regency/Victorian-set titles still account for the strongest sales among historicals.
And just to get you out and shopping, Borders is offering 40% off any book–no minimum purchase–for Reward members this weekend.
February 23, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Totally forgot about the coupon this weekend. The words were coming fast and furious, which meant I didn’t leave the keyboard for long.
Science Guy and I did attend a Greek Festival Saturday late afternoon where I saw my secondary character in the current book I’m writing. Really, he was there walking around, dressed just as I imagine Simon to dress. I decided I had to have his pic and pretty much just walked up and said something like, This may sound strange, but you are one of characters in the book I’m writing and I’d love to have your picture. He threw out his hand and said, ‘Honey of course you take my picture.’ It was exactly what I could hear Simon saying in my head.