Borders, which earlier in the year struggled to keep books in stock as it reduced inventory levels, has introduced a new holiday program under which the retailer will provide free shipping on any item listed on Borders.com that is not carried in a store where a customer is shopping. The goal of the “In-Stock Guarantee,” said Mike Edwards executive v-p and chief merchandising officer for Borders, “is to have every single customer leave our stores happy this holiday season.” There is no minimum price level to qualify for the free shipping and there are no per-customer limit on the number of items eligible for the program. The guarantee program will run through most of the holiday season, with December 16 as the final date items can be located and reach customers in time for Christmas. Items will be sent via the U.S. mail.
The guarantee applies only to Borders bricks and mortar stores, but there is also a free shipping program available at Borders.com. Generally, orders over $25 purchased on Borders.com will be shipped for free. Orders placed on the site before December 16 will reach customers in time for the holiday.
