Wynnewood Borders Not Among 200 Stores Closing Nationally

Though the Borders Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February and is closing 200 stores across the nation, the Wynnwood Borders is safe, for now.

management deferred comment to a national Borders spokesperson.

“The 200 stores that are closing are underperforming stores for us,” said Borders spokeswoman Mary Davis. “Right now, we’re focused on the 200 and are not commenting on any possible future closings of stores.”

Borders stores in nearby Bryn Mawr and Exton are staying open along with the Wynnewood Borders. But the Borders at the King of Prussia Mall is among the stores that have closed in the greater Philadelphia area.

The King of Prussia store was buzzing this weekend when Patch stopped by. People were snapping up discounted merchandise, but most of the discounts weren't very deep. The mall store is starting to look a bit bare.

Despite uncertainty over the chain's future, the Wynnewood store, located at 80 East Wynnewood Road, is going about business as usual. In celebration of Read Across America Day March 5, the store will host a storytime and birthday party for Dr. Seuss. The festivities start at 2 p.m.

The stores that Borders is closing amount to about 30 percent of all Borders, according to a national press release issued Feb. 16, and it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for reorganization relief.

“This decisive action will give Borders the opportunity to achieve a proper infusion of capital in order to have the opportunity to have the time to reorganize in order to reposition itself to be a successful business for the long term,” Borders Group President Mike Edwards said in the release.

Borders Rewards members also received an e-mail assuring them that both Borders Rewards and Borders Plus programs will continue, gift cards are still redeemable, Borders.com is running normally, eBook libraries are staying in place and Borders is still aiming to maintain a national presence.

“We are confident that, with the protection afforded under Chapter 11 and with the support of employees, publishers, suppliers and creditors, and the reading public, a successful reorganization can be achieved enabling Borders to emerge from the process as a stronger and more vibrant book seller,” Edwards said.