"The Borders in Beachwood was slated to close some time back, and that decision was reversed," said Mentor Economic Development Director Ronald Traub. "We want to save our Borders."
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View full sizeMentor Economic Development Director Ronald Traub is hoping to keep his local Borders Bookstore off the bankruptcy closing list, which will also claim this Ann Arbor, Mich., store by April 30.MENTOR, Ohio - Borders Group Inc.'s decision to close two Northeast Ohio stores as part of its bankruptcy reorganization could end up cutting 53 jobs at the Mentor and Medina superstores.
But Ronald Traub, director of economic development for the City of Mentor, is hoping to change Borders' mind about closing the Mentor store, which employs 28.
"We're taking heart in the fact that the Borders in Beachwood was slated to close some time back, and that decision was reversed," he said.
"We want to save our Borders."
Borders, the nation's second-largest brick-and-mortar bookseller after Barnes & Noble Inc., on Wednesday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the hopes of reorganizing its debts and emerging as a leaner, stronger retailer.
A New York judge has approved its plans to close 200 of its 642 stores as well as use $400 million of its $505 million in bankruptcy financing to repay vendors and continue operating.
Borders has warned that it might close another 75 stores later.
Borders' long-term plans include beefing up its loyalty program, improving its e-book service and its borders.com online store, selling more items besides books and improving its customer service.
Borders has said it will honor gift cards and loyalty programs, and that some stores will start clearance sales on Saturday to take advantage of Presidents' Day traffic.
Traub said Borders officials at company headquarters in Ann Arbor, Mich., might appreciate knowing that the City of Mentor has the seventh-largest volume of retail sales in Ohio.
"If they're going to remain a vital bookstore, they need to remain in Mentor," he said.
He's encouraging book lovers, Borders shoppers and fans of Mentor to contact Borders' corporate spokeswoman Mary Davis, at mailto:mdavis4@bordersgroupinc.com or 734-477-1374.
He's also posted a plea on his Facebook page, and has received a few supportive phone calls and e-mails from Mentor residents.
Davis said via e-mail that "for Borders, our customers are our priority whether through its stores or its on line shopping experience. Borders will be doing everything possible in its reorganization effort to meet the needs of our customers, maximize customer satisfaction and, in so doing, to be part of communities nationwide."
Bethany Dentler, executive director of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation, doesn't know of any similar efforts to save the Medina store.
"It's more than just the jobs, it's what it brings to the entire area," she said. "I love shopping at that store."
That Borders, in a shopping plaza that also boasts Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond and Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts, is a community meeting place, shopping destination and Medina's largest comprehensive bookstore, she said.
Five other Borders superstores in Ohio, that employ 135, will close by April 30.