Borders's announcement earlier this month that it would not meet its third-quarter financial targets was quickly followed by more positive news from Barnes & Noble. That continues a trend that has been evident for all of 2004. For the six months ended July 31, sales at B&N's superstores rose 9.1%, compared to 7.2% for Borders's superstores. Comparable-store sales increased 5.1% at B&N's superstores in the six-month period, far surpassing the 1.7% gain posted by Borders. B&N's superstores sales of $116 per square foot also beats Borders's superstore sales-per-square foot of $102. And B&N's superstores average $2.8 million in sales per outlet, compared to $2.6 million for Borders's stores.
Superstore Yardsticks
| B & N | BORDERS | |
| *Gains in first six months of 2004. | ||
| Sales (in millions) | $1.871 | $1.170 |
| Stores | 657 | 450 |
| Sales per Store (in millions) | $2.8 | $2.6 |
| Sales per Square Foot | $116 | $102 |
| Comp Sale Increase* | 5.1% | 1.7% |
| Total Sales Increase* | 9.1% | 7.2% |
