Borders

It’s unfortunately Borders closed down. I’m actually not sure if this store is still open — last time I checked was around August.
But in case it is still open — this is an average Borders. The books are there, but the comfort level’s lower than usual. It’s two floors, doesn’t have a lot of seating other than the coffee shop area, and doesn’t have as good a selection of books. The coffee shop area itself isn’t so great either because there’s barely any outlets, the tables are tiny and super close to each other. There’s also no one working at the register, so you have a ring a bell and wait for a normal employee to come by to ring you up.

Just want to let everyone know this location is still very much open (I was there on August 16). A sign says this Borders is receiving new stock from a warehouse – must be a really big one – every day. Most items are 30 percent off; some are up to 50 percent. If you buy six or more items Monday through Wednesday, you get an extra discount.
I implore my fellow Unilocalers to post a status update every week. The thing about close-​out sales is if you wait too long, the good stuff is gone. But if you shop too early, the discounts are only average. Under normal circumstances, 30 percent is very good, but bargain hunters expect more for liquidation sales. I believe the Palo Alto store is still open as well.
Do check out the Trader Joe’s around the block on Sunnyvale-​Saratoga and El Camino Real when you decide to stop by to say goodbye to Borders. And don’t forget C.J. Olson Cherries.

To: Borders Sunnyvale
Goodbye my an old friend. I helped to organize you 10 years ago before you opened. I sold your books and I made your coffee. Thank you for all the great times… and some bad. It wasn’t your fault about the bad really, just the bad viruses you had in your belly… ehem…sales floor. Some of your books are still on my shelf. I shall read them and remember you. To all of my ex-​coworkers, thank you for all the good times. To those that had no brain at all, thank you for the laughs. Borders Sunnyvale, adiós.

Like Andrew S. said, this place is now OK as the whole chain is going out of business in early September. The discounts there so far are not worth it. Only 20% for most items. 40% for Blu-​Rays and magazines.
I would not go there to buy anything right now. Give it a few weeks.

Okay, so this place is closing in a couple months, but in times like these you can see why. Who would pay full price for a book, when you can order in the comfort of your own home from
for 40% off the retail price.
Borders prices are not competitive at all (except of course for their buy one, get one 50% sale, where you’ll get a handful of popular choices). Other than browsing the aisles for books that I may get elsewhere, Border’s was destined for failure. As unfortunate as this may seem, hopefully this opens the eyes for other businesses to compete in a technological world.
A note to those that are looking for a bargain from their liquidation sale. Be prepared to wait in line and swim through a pile of books. I walked in to take a peek and walked right out. I’ll login to
for my bargain book buys and actually get what I’m looking for.

This place is one of my favorite chill out spots to just sit down and pick up my fav magazines to read. Really relaxing for me. I enjoy the wide open space as well! There’s room to breathe here and the lighting is incredible. The café isn’t that good but it doesn’t matter. Great study session place too! I usually like getting my study mode here.
Overall, this borders is the best book place out there.

This is my second review for this store. The first time, I rated them 4 stars. Now they’re down to 1. Why? I’ll tell you why.
Two weeks ago, I went in looking for a newly released book. For some reason, they only had 5 copies to start with. They were sold out. Seriously, you’re a bookstore, and you’re only ordering 5 copies of a brand new book? This week, I went in looking for another new release. Again, it wasn’t there. As the computers actually worked this time, I didn’t bother asking anyone for help. I looked it up, and it said «not in store.» Somehow I wasn’t surprised. I ended up finding the book I had been looking for 2 weeks ago, so I bought it. The girl that rung me up seemed to have an «I don’t give a shit» attitude. Other than saying «hi,» my total, and «do you need a bag,» she was monotone and disinterested. She didn’t even say «have a nice day» when I was done paying. In fact, she said nothing. I said thank you, and left.
The store never seems to have anything in stock, whether it’s because they had an absurd amount of copies available or they «can’t find it.» Why do I bother coming here? That, I don’t know. Barnes and Noble has always had what I’m looking for, especially new releases. Why bother with Borders anymore?

So this is the only Borders left in the south bay? Bleah. (or is it Meh?) Given the parking situation in the shopping center, I doubt I’ll come here very often.

Hidden in a strip mall on El Camino Real, you might not think this Borders is as big as it is from the outside. The moment you walk through the doors, though, you’re surprised by two floors of books, music, DVDs, magazines and a coffee shop to boot.
This Borders is pretty standard fare: good book selection, pleasant staff, decent quality coffee in the coffee shop. The layout can be a little daunting but the staff is more than ready to help you get what you need quick. If you’re more the DIY type, the computer kiosks can tell you that copy of «8 ½» is in stock or not. Easy-​breezy checkout makes the experience practically painless.
My only gripes here are the Blu-​Ray selection could use a few more titles, and parking is tough since it shares the lot with PF Changes, Chipotle and Fourbuck… I mean, Starbucks.
Game on, book nerds. :)

This is one of the better Borders locations I’ve been to. Their café looks awesome (and relatively quiet for studying/​working), and their employees actually seem like they care about helping you (*gasp!*).
I came here to look for a study guide I needed for one of my classes, but it wasn’t at its location at all even thought the web site said it would be there. Some stupid kid must have misplaced it. Anyway, a young lady there helped me look for it and asked her colleagues for help as well. As the way that customer service goes these days, especially with big chain stores, I really wasn’t expecting much but today was a wonderful experience! I also observed some other employees on the phone with some customer who had some big issue with those giant pink/​purple Christmas trees and they were very helpful to her.
I wish this Borders was closer to home so I could come here more often. It’s larger than the Milpitas location and definitely a lot nicer.

The parking: I arrived here at 10am, it’s kind of packed but still plenty of parking. The later you go the less parking though which can be a hassle.
The coffee spot: The woman who helped me is crazy slow, I mean she did a good job and gave me extra foam from my café au lait but still crazy slow. My coffee from Seattle’s Best was $ 2.40, it has kind of a burnt taste even with the extra milk and sugar. Oh and they don’t have any pastries! Nothing for me to eat in the morning, I was soooo sad! But the spot has plenty of seating, it’s very clean, outlets for your laptop, FREE WIFI and is fairly comfy with others studying/​working.
Their selection here of calenders, books, cds is fairly large and in general it’s pretty standard borders. I’m sure you could find what you are looking for. I found Christmas sheet music for piano pretty well and reasonably.

This Borders location is small and unfortunately, located with a parking lot that is almost always packed full at night, making it no more convenient than other locations. Blah.
It is close to my house however, and has almost all the cool things that other Borders have so, I’ll probably be back.
See ya there.

I love the atmosphere every time I walk into this Borders and Books. The staff is very friendly and the store is always extremely organized, making it easy to find any book I need.
It is also conveniently located in the same shopping center as a Chipotle and a Starbucks! So you can easily buy a coffee and then go into the bookstore and find a good book to look through.
They are also very friendly and helpful when it comes to returning a book, even offering to help youn find an alternative title.
Great place!