Borders improves customer experience with Google, Meetup

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Borders has announced its participation in Google's Local Availability feature, a national service that provides customers with a fast, easy and convenient way to search for books and other products at participating retailers. The company also announced it's teamed with Meetup to enable consumers to discover enriching family-friendly events in their communities. In the coming weeks, Borders will have a dedicated page on Meetup Everywhere accessible via Borders.com, enabling customers to find Borders' kids parties, storytime events, musical performances, national author readings and book signings as well as other activities happening in their communities.

"Borders has recently introduced a number of customer-focused programs designed to create an exceptional shopping experience both in-store and online," said Mike Edwards, CEO of Borders. "Google's Local Availability feature is yet another great service we're offering that enables our customers to quickly search for a book at their local Borders store. We're making it easier than ever for customers to find the perfect gift when they are on the go this holiday season.

"We're also excited to team with Meetup to provide our customers with the ability to find our enriching in-store events and organize their own activities at Borders," continued Edwards. "Our stores are natural community hubs, where our customers gather together to celebrate books -- our participation in Meetup will be a great avenue for fostering an even stronger sense of community around the joy of reading."

Customers can access Local Availability information through Google on their desktop or mobile phone by visiting Google.com and clicking on the "Shopping" tab. They can then access a list of Borders stores in their area that carry the book, see the price and find out if the title is in stock. Customers may also be able to read reviews by other book lovers as well view a list of suggested related books.