The Joss Group

Barnes & Noble on the Ropes?

Down, but not out, at least not yet, Barnes & Noble needs to find an innovative group of angel investors and soon. The stock price keeps slipping, and I would not like to see B&N go the same way as Borders. Yet, what do with the brick and mortar stores B&N has everywhere? Can Chairman Leonard Riggio save the company? What do you think? What would you said to Riggio?

What's Going on With Borders?

The New York Times and several other media outlets are reporting Borders is seeking to delay payments or rework payment schedules with several major publishers. I read that and thought, "Uh-oh!" Borders, like Barnes & Noble, has a lot of bookstores and not as many paying customers as the two chains need to do well financially. There has been talk of B&N buying Borders, but that would just B&N more bookstores and still not enough customers. I hope Borders can work out a deal it can live with or figure out a way to reinvent itself.

Barnes & Noble Up for Sale

I got the press release tonight less than an hour ago and the NYT is already talking about it. The press release said management believes the stock is not performing as well as it can be and they are considering all options, including a sale. Liquidation sale, maybe? Sad, but I cannot see any alternatives that will work. The chain has too much real estate, too much brick and mortar to get rid of for it to have a quick return to break even, even.