Mr. Clyde B. Anderson, CEO
Books-A-Million

Dear Mr. Anderson

“My” Border’s store is closing.

No, I don’t work for Border’s and never have; nor am I in the real estate business. Like many retail customers of specialty shops I take “ownership” of the places I like.

The nearest Books-A-Million store is in Brandon Town Center — about twenty miles from here.

I would love to see an alternative to Barnes and Noble in my area.

“My store”, Border’s #171, located at 12500 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618 is a 25,000+ square foot building purpose-built in 1996 as a Border’s bookstore. It’s getting a bit long in the tooth and could use a bit of sprucing up in addition to needing a new tenant in fairly short order.

You can see details on the property here:
http://www.hcpafl.org/CamaDisplay.aspx?OutputMode=Display&SearchType=RealEstate&ParcelID=182809ZZZ000000836700U

The store is located in the middle of an established upscale neighborhood which had an estimated median household income greater than $60,000 in 2009.

There is physical competition in the area. A Barnes & Noble store is located a couple blocks South of Border’s and a small independent new/used book store is located two blocks to the North. Additionally there are a Walmart and a Target a couple miles to the North and another Walmart a couple miles South of Border’s. A Sam’s Club is located approximately three miles North of the store.

Mr. Anderson, I realize we’re in the midst of uncertain economic times and capitalizing a new retail store requires serious thought, analysis and dollars. But, I also can’t help but think that, upon hearing of Border’s reorganization plans, you started looking at the possibility of expansion.

If I’m right I’d greatly appreciate you considering our area.

One thing you probably wouldn’t have too much trouble with is finding experienced, bright and enthusiastic booksellers to staff a new store.

While I don’t know about the folks in the other two Border’s being shuttered in Hillsborough County, the folks at store 171 are superb.

Thank you for taking  time to read this letter.

Sincerely,

Elmer Hurlstone

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