Fond Farewell from Borders CEO as Final Sale, Consumer Discounts Begin

The countdown begins for all remaining Borders stores, including the popular location on Scenic Highway in Snellville, Ga.

The Michigan-based company began liquidation of its last 399 stores across the nation, Deep discounts for remaining merchandise also began this morning. 

On the eve of the final hurrah, Borders CEO Mike Edwards sent a personal email message to the company's loyal Borders Rewards members.

"As I'm sure you've heard by now, Borders will be closing its doors after more than 40 years of igniting the love of reading in generations of customers," Edwards said in the letter. "I am sorry to have share this news with you as I feel you have been right here along with us as we fought valiantly to save the company."

"We had worked very hard toward a different outcome, he continued. "The fact is that Borders has been facing headwinds for quite some time, including a rapidly changing book industry, the eReader revolution, and a turbulent economy.

"We put up a great fight, but regrettably, in the end we were't able to overcome these external forces."

According to another company email announcement made Friday morning, merchandise is now up to 40 percent off at stores. All Borders Bucks will expire July 31, 2011, but gift cards will be accepted for the entire sale event, Borders officials said in the email.

In addition, Borders Rewards Plus members will continue to receive their additional discounts for a limited time, through August 5. 

All sales at every store are final.

In Snellville, a community of 19,000 residents outside of Atlanta, the 22,300-square-foot store was one of the first to arrive in Georgia in 1997. Now, it is one of the last to leave. Remaining stores elsewhere in metro Atlanta, including Tucker, Ga., and Lithonia, Ga., (Mall of Stonecrest) will also depart.

All nationwide stores will close by the end of September. According to a Snellville Borders manager, stores may close sooner, but that depends on how quickly individual locations sell through inventory.

It is unclear what will happen to the Snellville, Ga., space, located at Presidential Markets on Scenic Highway. But, property manager Equity One, said is committed to working

Patrons say they are sad to see the store close.

"I really hate to see Borders close, it was an important part of the Snellville community," said Donna Bain Willard, a Patch reader. "I wish there was a way to save it."

Borders CEO thanked long-time patrons for their support as he bid a final adieu to the company.

"As a company, we cannot thank you enough for giving us the opportunity to serve you and the millions of other customers who have shopped our stores over the years," Edwards said. "My sincerest hope is that we remain in the hearts of readers for years to come."