An Artist for Borders

Borders Stores Inc. (Ann Arbor, Mich.) has announced a holiday visual merchandising tie-in with children’s book artist Robert Sabuda.

Beginning Nov. 1, 2005, the retailer’s more than 1200 Borders and Waldenbooks stores nationwide will be transformed into a 3-D pop-up book inspired by Sabuda’s soon-to-be released “Winter’s Tale—An Original Pop-up Journey.”

Under the theme “Open Up A Season of Surprises,” Sabuda’s work will be brought to life with larger-than-life pop-up scenes, including a giant paper snowman that will welcome customers as they enter each store. In addition, all Borders and Waldenbooks stores will feature paper pop-up scenes depicting snowball fights, sledding adventures and ice-skating fun. A flurry of 3-D paper snowflakes will create the illusion of winter inside all stores. Finally, flocks of paper doves will take flight from store columns.

Sabuda has scheduled appearances at three Borders stores this fall to sign copies of his new book and talk to fans about his work. On Tuesday, September 27, he spoke and signed copies of the new book at the Borders store in New York’s Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. On October 3, he’ll appear at Borders on North State Street in Chicago. And on November 1, he’ll be in the Arborland shopping center, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Sabuda has also designed a set of paper pop-up ornaments produced by The Museum of Modern Art — a snowflake, holiday tree and dove — that will be sold exclusively at Borders and Waldenbooks stores this year. He has also designed an exclusive gift card and a hand-assembled carrier.

“The opportunity to have my work brought to life through a bookseller with the creativity and innovative spirit of Borders Group is exciting,” Sabuda said. “I’m very proud of ‘Winter’s Tale’ and am delighted to have found in Borders and Waldenbooks a team that shares my passion for books and the sheer joy of sharing that passion with others. Seeing my work surrounding customers in the stores will be an amazing experience and one that I hope brings enjoyment to thousands and thousands of people this holiday season.”