Borders

I used to spend a lot of Sundays in this store since I live close by. So many memories of books read!

5 years has gone by and I’m once again having withdrawal symptoms of not having you in my life.
I miss the smell of you, I miss the unlimited amount of books that are just waiting to entertain and educate my mind, I miss your warmth, I miss my whipped cream iced mochas I’d have to help ease my body and soul after a day of working with hyper kids, I miss those big brown comfy chairs… most of all I miss the comfort.
I spent so much time here as a teenager and young adult. Whether I’d be meeting a date, looking for prom and dance magazines, skipping school, or just trying to escape reality for a while.
A lot has happened in my life since I’ve been comforted by your welcoming doors. I bet if my husband could have proposed here, he would have. I can imagine a pregnant me spending lots of time here just waiting for my husband to get off of work. I see myself reading «pout-​pout fish,» «brown bear brown bear,» and «chicka-​chicka boom boom» to my attentive and wide eyed baby boy, I can see myself sobbing in a corner of the grief section. Oh, borders how I miss you so much. If only you knew how much safety and protection you brought to me in such a critical time in my life. I only wish you were still around to comfort and protect me.
San Francisco has changed since the last time I was with you… It’s congested and hot and there’s so much gentrification. I have to settle for Barnes and noble at tanforan and its nothing compared to you, except for the memories I have with reading to my baby there.
I hope and wish that God has you in His kingdom and there I know you will be waiting to welcome your fans home.

Sad that this borders is closing down in a week or so. Definitely spent much of high school buying awful bargain bin books as cheapo birthday presents, and discreetly reading gay magazines in the only aisle with no other customers squatting on the floor already: the Religion aisle. Yes!
This feels like a eulogy. Borders was an awfully big corporate girl, but she was warm and comforting. Great personality.
Shelves are emptied out and they’re selling everything that isn’t nailed down, so go pick off the carcass bits. I have a gift card I need to finish spending, me thinks.

CLOSING mid-​April. Very sad. I believe that this is their flagship store. Borders is closing over 30% of their stores, and if this is one of them, then the end for Borders must be on the horizon.
One employee told me that the rent was over $ 1 Million and the landlord was implacable. Once again, very sad.
These big boys put a lot of small book stores out of business and now the internet and other discounters like Costco are putting them out of business.
Live by the sword, die by the sword, I guess.

(See pic)
I am heartbroken with the 2 major Borders closing in SF city areas (there are only a few small bookshops left.) This is truly the end of civilization if we can’t even have a space to browse a wall of intellect or simple pleasure. Online reading and choosing are completely different and too focused or pre-​determined on what the computerized formula thinks you would be interested once you choose a certain book or subject.
I used to come here at least once to 5 times a week, frequently browsing and extending my horizon of interests. That reminds me of the movie City of Angels, where angels gather in the libraries and read with people.
Ever since the closing announcement, today was the first time I stepped back inside to the victimized zone.
The place was quiet, not because there weren’t a lot of people inside, but because everyone was feeling the same solemn way.
As I passed walls after walls of empty shelves, memories intruded and escaped as the bookstore has moved books to different areas after many had come to scavenger for discounts. Deserted like a barren land, no more Seattle’s coffee and chattering from people, nor page flipping with knowledge and new experience. Today I saw a guy sitting there reading a book, mumbling at the corner like reciting a verse before exiting the scene.
Browsing is for when you are truly walking from one isle to the next, or accidentally walking into a section and some book catches your attention. Mind is a complex agent that processes information with vision and physical layout; it cannot always be categorized.
Even today as I was going through every inch of the once promised land, I saw a fun colorful pictorial version of Julius Casar’s leadership, strategy and conflict book, Spanish version of erotica from Penthouse, books on ethics and skepticism, Islamic finance and banking, business statistics, among others. In no way of Amazon searching would I be browsing like that.
I will miss browsing through the wall of travel books and flipping through them before buying a few. It might simply be the weight of the book and the colorful content that would make the book more appropriate to carry on a trip. It’s not only about the content, but the feeling of the actual book.
I will miss spending countless lazy afternoons and evenings grabbing a drink and walking around to discover the next treasure, or at Christmas time when I choose a box of greeting cards or a Christmas carol CD. I will miss picking up the calendars and by chance seeing a cute journal that I can use to write and draw, on paper.
I will miss sitting by the window while reading 4 books before deciding and finally buying 3 of them. I will miss placing the book on my bookshelf, or keeping 1 in my bag when I just want to go to a coffee shop and flip through a page or 2. And I will miss dog-​ear-​ing and flipping back and forth of different sections of a book.
All these will be deprived by losing these beloved stores. It’s not just a bookshop, it’s an integral part of my life.
It reminds me of the movie You’ve Got Mail, except even the corporate style bookstores are going out of business (for the most part.)
It’s almost impossible to just go there and buy books out of liquidation /​closing. The browsing and choosing are part of the experience. This is not like stocking up toilet papers when they are on sale. The mind does not work that way.
The spaces will make the 2 areas look totally bare and probably will be filled with more materialistic things like clothing and other non-​intellectually stimulating stores, or they might simply stay lights off. What a sad ending.
I am old-​fashioned, traditional and nostalgic when it comes to bookstores. My dream home always includes a library.
I am truly heartbroken.

I’m also sad this place is closing, too.
I spent a good portion in my undergrad studies at this Borders, looking through design books to get me inspired after a bad class critique, looking through the literary section while being overwhelmed yet giddy at the same time from seeing wall-​to-​wall books, to magazine stands and everything in between.
Downtown San Francisco rarely has bookstores and most of them closed like Stacy’s on Market Street. While we can easily shop online, there is something about walking into a bookstore and thumbing through books or just browsing CDs and DVDs. There is not another store like this, especially since Virgin is now gone, too.
This store is #57 when the Borders in the Westfield is #605, it tells you how long this Borders has been around. It’s so sad. This Borders will be deeply missed, especially since I live literally 10 minutes walking distance away from it.
So long Borders, you will be deeply missed. Now, where to browse and go to «just because»?

It’s March 18, 2011, a rainy evening, and it’s a sad sight to see all the mismatched books on sale in warehouse fashion. 40% off, but of course, barely anything of interest to me is left. And yet…
…I remember how hard it was to get a seat to go through some travel books with all the street derelicts spending their entire days on them… that reminds me I need to get some Lysol at Walgreen’s.
…I remember seeing a former boss here one night and trying to duck around corners in the arts and hobbies section to avoid one of those «how ya been» faux-​conversations only to fail…“Yes, I really am into crochet and macramé.”
…I remember when I was unemployed for a big stretch and coming here to read anything but career management books.
…I remember all those really bad blind coffee dates I had eons ago here and how I would pretend I had another appointment but actually went upstairs to the music section only to run into the person again…“Just because we both like Patsy Cline doesn’t mean we should have dinner.”
…I remember being recognized for being on Unilocal in the local guide section and asked where my book was… seriously.
Yes, it’s my fault. I have an iPad. I have Amazon Kindle and iBooks. It’s the way the world has evolved. But there is something a bit circular about the concept of a super-​bookstore. They gobbled up the mom-​and-​pops in the 90’s, and now tablets are gobbling them up which may mean a comeback for mom-​and-​pops who specialize in books that provide a more sensory experience. Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?

I’m so sad this place is closing!!!
I live just around the corner and I have been going to this place for a while but now I will have no place to go on a cold rainy day to read magazines and have hot chocolates (yes, plural)…sad face!
I will also lose the place where I buy DVDs. Don’t get me wrong, I love online shopping but there are things I just want to hold in my hands before buying, such as books… DVDs!!!
Since I found out this place was closing, I was hoping at least the one in SF Shopping Center would stay open, but I was wrong; it’s closing as well! Let’s face it, other than the food court, the bookstore, and the movie theater, there is not one good store in the shopping center. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this way…
There are so many stores in downtown but not a single bookstore! How does this even make any sense! I’m really, really disappointed by the people who made the decision to close down the store!
I’m sure you have felt my pain and sadness with the amount exclamation marks I have used for this review…

It’s not only the Independent Book Stores that are fighting for their lives. This Borders among the 200 that are closing as the parent company has filed for Bankruptcy.
When I’m on an out-​of-​town business trip, a nearby Bookstore is a great way to relax and kill a little time in the evening. With this prime Union Square location, I imagine that many a like-​minded Corporate drone or wide-​eyed Tourist has wandered in. And if I’m in the neighbourhood, you would have found me here too. It’s multi-​level, fun to wander around, features a good magazine selection, and it’s just nice to sit in the Coffee Shop and watch the world go by. So where am I going to go now?

Closing.
It’s too bad, it’s a good spot to wander in when other stores that aren’t department stores or malls are closed in the area, and I’m not feeling a bar or restaurant. That and I could just peruse everything without buying anything… of course, now I’m feeling rather guilty about that. To be fair, I did buy stuff here and there, even a calendar for $ 4.99 a couple of weeks ago that would’ve been $ 1 had I bought it yesterday.
20%-40% off everything right now, including light fixtures and furniture. I bought a Hello Kitty-​themed Monopoly game, and it was worth every penny, dammit.
So long, you shall be missed. At least by me.

Going… going… almost gone.
This 40 thousand square foot Borders with 4 floors is soon to be no more!
There is a huge selection of books, music, games, and dvds. Some stuff is marked up from the usual price. Harry Potter 6 was marked as $ 12.99 on the Borders label, but $ 9.99 on the actual BOOK… WTF… even with 20% off, it’s blasphemy. Who would rip off little kids who want to get Harry Potter 6 during this sale??? Borders! No wonder you’re going bankrupt.
I purchased a few books I wanted right away — a Kodansha kanji dictionary, a bread cookbook, a Snoopy strip collection book, and a history book.
Definitely come by to browse… it might be worth your while. 20−40% off of most items (I’d say about 80% of everything is only 20% off)… get it while you can.

Came in to check out some books and calendars. This is a 2-​story Borders in the middle of Union Square. It was nearing closing, so announcements were made to make final decisions/​purchases.
This Borders is always busy with people usually waiting outside the doors upon store opening.
I didn’t find anything interesting and left empty handed.

Westfield Borders Walk-​in:
Step 1: Make beeline for romance section under the assumption that Urban Fantasy Fluff Vampy Book will be incorrectly filed there.
Step 2: Are correct, however newest Urban Fantasy Fluff Vampy Book is not on shelf. Instead of searching endcaps endlessly, make beeline for information desk.
Step 3: Wait patiently to be helped. Explain that Urban Fantasy Fluff Vampy Book came out today and *should* be on shelves.
Step 4: Wait patiently for several more minutes however are then told Urban Fantasy Fluff Vampy Book is not in stock.
Step 5: Grumble and leave.
Post Street Borders Walk-​in:
Step 1: Make beeline for front door and see book on shelf five feet before you. Pay for book and leave.
’nuff said.

Great downtown bookstore. Always been happy that Borders has been in this location. Nice selection and I especially love their pet and car book section upstairs.
I also love this place because I used to have a really dysfunctional drama queen girlfriend a few years ago and I loved how we could both go here and then I could walk down the street to the Gold Dust to get away from her for an hour or so. Oh yes, this store has a special place in my heart since it would keep her occupied for hours and allow me some escape.
Popped in here the other day for a totally different reason the other day. Came out of Tiffany’s down the street the other day. It was raining and I also didn’t want to pop into a bar or walk around downtown with a bright blue bag so I walked into Borders and asked them for a plastic bag. Despite the craziness of the holiday rush, both workers that I talked to were really nice and helpful. I was able to get a bag and was on my way for a quick drink at the Gold Dust before a late lunch at Ajisen.

The other day, I was early to work so I decided to roam around the Borders inside Bloomingdales to find a book that just had release. Not in sight whatsoever. I know how bookstores and libraries work. But this book was no where in sight, and there was no associates to help around either, which was annoying.
After shopping with my girls in the Noe Valley, I stopped by this Borders because it would’ve been a hassle to go to the mall. The smart thing I did was reserve the book online at both locations. And all I had to do was pick it up at the register. I feel like the lines are longer and more crowded than the Borders in the mall.
Once I got to the register, I told the worker that I had a book on reserve. And she told me she knew which book was mine immediately. Like, what’s that supposed to mean?
But anyway, this Borders is bigger than the one in the mall because it does have three floors. I still like Barnes & Nobles better because it’s more organized but what can you do when the only B&N is at Fisherman’s Wharf and in Colma? Go to Borders, that is.

3.5 stars. I like how this borders has three floors and it is always so warm and cozy! The staff are nice and friendly too.
Why the 3.5 stars? Well I feel like their bathrooms can be nicer and taken care of better. I went there the other day and they didn’t have toilet paper! Also the stall doors can be messed up sometimes…
Pretty hard to find a place to sit by the café on weekends and after people get off of work.

I have taken Borders for granted for too long
Mom & I had girly weekend & she needed a book to read on BART back to the East Bay so after enjoying the festivities in Union Square, we sauntered over to Borders to see if we could find a good mystery for her
Tons of people in the store but we still managed to be asked twice if we needed help finding anything… awesome!
If they don’t have what you’re looking for… they’ll order it, no problem
Still prefer Amazon’s tax free /​free shipping prices but I may have to swing over to Borders w/​their *now free* discount cards & immediate gratification

This is my favorite place to go on weekend mornings after the gym and a pitstop at Starbuck’s (but before Tiffany’s to try on engagement rings that aren’t going to buy themselves) to read through their bridal and baby sections. No. I am neither married nor knocked up but my nearing-​30 brain and raging hormones think it would be just swell if I were both (note to all men everywhere: stay far, far away).
For real, they have huge selections of pretty much any kind of book you could want at this location: cookbooks for your honey (please make me dinner already!!), books about cats who fight crime for your mom, Rosie O’Donnell’s biography for your queer aunt, Nascar coffee table books for your redneck cousin, books on weddings and flowers and babies and dresses for you (me)…you get it.
Their sale section rocks and it will disappoint many of my friends who bother to read my reviews (maybe you don’t…) that that «perfect book» I got you for your last birthday or for Hannukah wasn’t really well-​thought-​out, it was just on the clearance table for $ 1.99 and since you like origami or tiki culture, I figured it was a safe bet. Also a great place for children’s books, baby showers, etc… tons of kiddie books and activity sets are always marked WAAAAY down.
But for real, if you’re interested in neurotic gym and coffee junkies and happen to be in Union Square on Sunday mornings, you can find us in Borders, poring over Modern Bride and What to Expect when You’re Expecting (someday, if someone comes along before your uterus shrivels up and goes away). And we’re all really pretty. Why aren’t we taken already?

Good «hangout» while waiting to meet up with peeps, or just to rest your legs from the walking. Feel guilty for loitering? Order a drink (the Americano or mochas here are not too bad). And there are four floors to browse if you do need to buy reading/​listening/​viewing materials.

This is easily my favorite borders location in SF.
It’s right off the cable car line in union square and it’s significantly bigger than most Borders locations.
With 3 or 4 stories it has a very large selection of books, music, videos etc.
It also has a café.
It doesn’t get 5 stars for not being independent and because I always have a hard time finding someone to help me find books.
Good luck trying to find parking around here.