Singapore Borders Opened
Wednesday, 31st December 1997
The Borders Group established its first international store here in Singapore, occupying 32,000 square feet (3,000 m2) in Wheelock Place, Orchard Road. It was the largest bookstore located here in Singapore.
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.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com
Update: On February 16, 2011, the company announced that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing $1.275 billion in assets and $1.293 billion in debts in its filing. The company also announced the liquidation and closing of 226 stores.