Been in a new Borders store or a remodeled one lately? If so, you’ve probably seen a bigger commitment to graphic novels in terms of signage and space, of course, largely due to manga.
And I’m wondering if those are the beginnings of the major strategical changes afoot at Borders as discussed in PW.com, like moving away from Amazon.com as an online source and developing a new concept store.
March 22nd, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Not that the two are in competition, but I think the increased shelf space is due almost entirely to manga, at least at my local Borders.
March 22nd, 2007 at 5:56 pm
More space will just mean a bigger mess, judging by the confused state of most of the GN sections I see. It’s easier to keep the manga section sorted, I guess, with nice big names on the spines and big volume numbers too - but it saddens me to see the GN section with 3 or 4 different spine designs for one series, and often no numbering. (DC being the main culprit) If the design depts of the big two were to learn anything from the staggering success of manga, I’d have thought it might be approachable, readable, spines for GNs. Apparently not…
March 22nd, 2007 at 5:57 pm
sorry for the semi OT rant above
March 22nd, 2007 at 7:40 pm
My local Borders had a complete overhaul and every section increased in size. It’s GNs use to be in a cramped little spot between the Humor books (i.e: Garfield and Doonsbury) and the Children’s Books. Now it’s over by the Sci-Fi section (also vastly increased) and is much more accessable. My back sez thanks, Borders!
March 22nd, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Not mine! I think partly because the manager is into comics, but not only is the manga section becoming more condensed, the graphic novel section has been expanded! Now if only they can get shipments the same time as LCS…
March 22nd, 2007 at 10:08 pm
all the borders in my area keep the TRP, graphic novels, manga etc in really bad condition, all the corners are bent and the pages ripped in some cases. would never purchase from them.. plus its a rip! borders do have a good sci-fi fantasy section though
March 22nd, 2007 at 10:20 pm
One of the things that keeps me from buying graphic novels at stores like Borders is that they put their own price labels on each book, which usually ruins the cover when you try to take them off. In addition, Borders and other stores like Barnes and Noble tend to not keep their books in very good shape, while in most direct market shops, the good ones at least make some attempt at keeping them from getting damaged.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:15 pm
The new Borders in Boston has a pretty big GN section… probably 12 browsers of manga, about 3 non-manga. They have a great selection, but I still try to keep my business with my favorite comic shop (helps that they’re manga fans with a fantastic manga stock)
March 24th, 2007 at 12:17 am
One of the things that keeps me from buying graphic novels at stores like Borders is that they put their own price labels on each book, which usually ruins the cover when you try to take them off.
I have never in my 10 years of working at Borders seen a cover ruined by one of our stickers.
In addition, Borders and other stores like Barnes and Noble tend to not keep their books in very good shape, while in most direct market shops, the good ones at least make some attempt at keeping them from getting damaged.
The only way to keep the books in good shape is to not let anyone touch them. In our neighborhood, Borders is treated like a library. A library for people with no respect for books.