Our History

Borders began in 1972, when Tom and Louis Borders opened a bookshop in the heart of Ann Arbor, an academic community in Michigan, USA. The first store was just 800 sq ft and sold only used books. In 1973, Borders decided to sell new books only; by 1974, the business was in its fourth location, a 10,000 sq ft store. As it grew, Borders became known as one of the world's finest bookshops - a place where customers could browse alone for hours, or rely on the friendly and well-informed staff to find exactly what they were looking for.

Borders expansion in Australia commenced in 1998 when the first store opened at the Jam Factory in South Yarra. 

At its peak Borders had 26 stores in Australia as well as borders.com.au which had a loyal list of subscribers to its weekly newsletter the Shortlist and became a transactional webstore in 2009. When the former owners REDgroup Retail (which owned Borders operations in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore as well as Whitcoulls in NZ and Angus & Robertson in Australia) went into administration in early 2011, the bricks and mortar Borders stores in Australia closed and the online component of the business was sold to Bookworld (a division of the Pearson Australia Group) that also operates angusrobertson.com.au. 

Our Mission

Our mission is more than just a statement. Everything Borders sets out to achieve begins with the core values at the heart of our mission.

To be the best-loved provider of books,entertainment and informational products and services. To be the world leader in selection, service, innovation, ambiance, and community involvement. We recognize people to be the cornerstone of the Borders experience by building internal and external relationships, one person at a time..

Our Culture & Values

Customer first - Our customers and their local interests are our number one priority

• Service
• Listening and responding
• Community involvement

One Team - Our environment empowers people to think and act as one team

• Collaborative
• Inspirational leadership
• Supportive

Excellence - Our success is determined by the ongoing growth of our business and our people

• Deliver results
• Market leader
• Continuous improvement

Integrity - Our behaviours demonstrate a respectful commitment to each other

• Respect
• Individual responsibility
• Courage

Innovation - Our drive for innovation and continuous improvement assures our dominant position

• Leading change
• Exciting and dynamic
• Brand evolution

For enquiries, contact Borders.