Running for the Borders
Over the weekend, the SD&R crew headed off to Alameda Towne Centre for some errand running. The big excitement was the trip to the new Borders. And by excitement, I mean the junior SD&R’s both had gift certificates that they wanted to use. No offense to ATC or Borders, but Books Inc. remains the store of choice for the SD&R elders, location, location, location.
The place was packed, which was nice to see. Alameda could use a little “packed” right now, especially when it doesn’t involve a street fair. A couple of post-weekend thoughts on the new Borders. First, it’s disappointing that it connects only to the parking lot. There are no entrances that connect to the rest of the shopping areas leaving one to walk around the perimeter of the centre. Something we realized after walking through the center of the centre from Office Max. We enjoyed the meander through the middle and hope that Borders will increase the tenanting success. But the next thing we knew we were back at the parking lot traversing loading zones to get to the new store. I guess the thought was that people will be coming to Borders and leaving straight away, or will want to drive to other parts of the centre.
Secondly, while riding the escalator to the kids section, it dawned on my how un-Alameda the experience felt (like I was being transported to a magical mall in the sky instead of some out-dated shopping area…I’m not suggesting this is a good thing, just different) and it occurred to me that this might be the first or at least only escalator in Alameda. I can’t think of any others (that’s your invite to abuse me for my lack of Alameda knowledge!)
Funny.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Edmundo Delmundo
May 19th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
If memory serves me correctly, there used to be an escalator in the old JC Penney (site of current Trader Joe’s in the former South Shore Center).
I’ve only lived on the Isle for 17 years, so I’m not officially a resident yet (and you’ll never catch me butchering the word VERSAILLES so I may never attain official status), but perhaps someone can verify that distant memory for me.
If I am correct, Borders may not have the FIRST escalator, but likely the ONLY one for now. Will the Alameda Theater have escalators? duh duh duh…
Jeff Mitchell
May 19th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
John: I must say that I’m feeling decidedly cool about the presence of Borders at ATC. I’m even more unenthusiastic about how some of the near gratuitous local coverage this new store has received lately. While on one hand I’m sure that I will eventually get over there to take in all the fancy bells and whistles, I remain worried about the future existence of our already established book retailers. After all, how much would it suck to have Borders force the much smaller Books Inc. on Park Street out of business? (Answer: it would suck a lot.) While better shopping and entertainment choices in Alameda will always be welcomed in my book, we should all try to show some consumer loyalty to stores like Books Inc. and others that have been faithfully serving us now for some time.
Edmundo Delmundo
May 20th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Wow..I remember when Books Inc was considered a nefarious outsider, a locally owned “chain” box/store, viewed with much skepticism by the local hordes.
How quickly we adapt and forget…
Jeff Mitchell
May 20th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Edmundo — I would just point out that there’s quite a bit of difference between Books Inc. (a Bay Area-based chain whose Alameda location is managed by fellow Islander Nick Petrulakis) and Borders, a national conglomerate based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If I can only get something I need at Borders, fine, I’ll shop there. Otherwise, I’ll be spending my hard-earned cash at Nick’s and other local book sellers first. I would invite and encourage other Alamedans to do the same.
Lauren Do
May 20th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Edmundo, I hear that the Alameda Theatre will also be sporting a nifty new escalator. So by Thursday the official Alameda escalator count will be: 2.
john piziali
May 20th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Delmundo, no escalator in J.C.Penny’s at south shore. My mother worked there for years it was a single story store.
17 years a mere blink of an eye. Just kidding.
Edmundo Delmundo
May 21st, 2008 at 7:53 am
17 years and one too many at the Forbidden Island…
good knowledge John
Jack B.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:36 am
If Alamedans blow off Nick’s place for Borders… we’ll end up w/ no bookstores again.
Borders stock is in a death spiral, aside from the recent pop on buyout rumors from Barnes and Noble. Borders today denies any substantive talks. B&N just reported weak earnings and their outlook is grim.
My guess is: Borders will be forced to close underperforming stores over the next few years. “Lifestyle” stores will be the first to close first, because they don’t bring in the cash. These rollouts were planned when the consumer was still strong.