Borders and Amazon.com Announce In-Store Pick Up

Posted on April 26, 2002

Borders Group Inc., and Amazon.com announced a multi-year agreement to provide Amazon.com's customers with the option of picking up books, music CDs and DVDs at Borders Books and Music stores nationwide. A second agreement between the companies will create a new co-branded website, Waldenbooks teamed with Amazon.com.

When customers view a product description page, they will have the option to complete their order online with delivery from Amazon.com or to see if the item is in-stock at their local Borders store. For each item selected, a list of up to five nearby Borders stores will be provided, based on the customer's zip code and product availability. Customers who elect the in-store pick up option will receive email confirmation from Borders informing them the item has been successfully picked and reserved in their name for express in-store pick up. Items ordered online for pick up at Borders stores will be sold at the national Borders store price, or local store price if lower, with applicable local sales tax added. No shipping and handling fees will be charged and customers will have the opportunity to apply any special store discounts or offers on their orders.

Sales for items ordered online and picked up in Borders stores will be recorded by Borders Group with Amazon.com receiving a commission. Returns on these items will be accepted at Borders stores.

"This agreement is an important next step in the extremely successful alliance we've experienced with Amazon.com," said Borders Group Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Josefowicz. "Customers overwhelmingly indicate a desire for the convenience of in-store pick up and we're delighted to offer it to the world's largest online audience of book, music and movie lovers."

The companies also announced an agreement to launch Waldenbooks teamed with Amazon.com prior to the 2002 holiday season. Like Borders teamed with Amazon.com, the new site will offer customers Amazon.com's ecommerce platform, including personalization and 1-Click ordering. Members of Waldenbooks' Preferred Reader loyalty program will be able to earn points with every purchase made through the co-branded site. The multi-year agreement has terms similar to the Borders teamed with Amazon.com alliance with all sales originating through the new site recorded by Amazon.com with a percentage of sales going to Borders Group. Inventory, fulfillment and customer service will be provided by Amazon.com.