Borders Inc. (Ann Arbor, Mich.) is now stocking its shelves with high-quality educational toys and games for infants, toddlers and kids inside its Children's Department. More than 500 Borders superstores are receiving the expanded toy and game offerings, which includes products from such brands as Melissa & Doug, Creativity for Kids, LEGO Systems Inc, Playmobil, Scientific Explorer, Chicco, Battat, Blue Orange Games and ALEX.
In addition to the products, Borders is staffing the Children's Department with a dedicated kids' specialist to answer questions and make product recommendations.
Most recently, the company announced it was rolling out Ink Teen Shops – special boutique-like sections within most superstores that feature Young Adult as well as Graphic Novel and Manga titles and trendy products that complement the book offerings. “We want to guide our customers through our stores from the early stages of their lives up through adulthood, enriching their experiences every step of the way through books and other products,” says Kathryn Popoff, vp, books and merchandising for Borders. “As a retailer it's very gratifying to be able to offer our customers products that inform, educate and entertain throughout their lives.”
Through its subsidiaries, Borders operates more than 1000 stores under the Borders and Waldenbooks banners.