Business

Friday, Nov. 06, 2009

Book store closing at Singing River Mall

WaldenBooks, a division of Border Group, is closing two of its three remaining stores in Mississippi, including the WaldenBooks at Singing River Mall in Gautier.

The other store is at Sawmill Square in Laurel, leaving only the Borders in Flowood as the remaining property in the state.

WaldenBooks, in making the announcement Thursday, said it was part of an ongoing strategy to “right-size” its company to make it more profitable in 2010. The “right-sizing” program has been in effect since 2001, said Mary Davis, Borders Group public relations.

The retailer said the stores are part of about 200 that will close in January, leaving the chain with 130 mall-based stores open.

Davis said every effort will be made to place employees in good standing with the company, provided they wish to remain with the Borders Group.

Borders Group said in its statement that all gift cards and loyalty programs will continue as long as stores are open and will be good at other locations and online once the targeted stores close.

“We have enjoyed and appreciate the loyal customers who have shopped with us over the years,” Davis said. “But this is a final decision and we hope that our customers will visit our other locations or Borders.com when they can.”