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Borders - CLOSED
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Food Coffee & Tea Books, Mags, Music and Video, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
588 Francisco Blvd WSan Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 454-1400
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Borders
Review Highlights
25 reviews in English
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Review from Lily K.
Sausalito, CA
4/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This borders is huge, well stocked, and well maintained. The staff are excellent and I've enjoyed the time I spent here.
Sadly, it's going out of business now and will be missed. It's been in San Rafael for years. It's kind of the only one stop shop for books in town unless you go to Barnes and Noble or Book Passage, but the atmosphere just isn't quite the same. -
Review from Rita S.
Novato, CA
12/29/2010
TURN OFF THE TV AND READ A BOOK
My favorite bookstore in Marin. Huge selection of books, audio books, CD's. Good place for Christmas shopping. Comfy chairs for relaxing and browsing. Coffee shop up front makes for a nice pick me up. -
Review from John A.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Borders is great. This one had a huge seating area for the Seattles Best Coffee right next to the magazine rack. The selection of books was decent and with one of their trusty coupons -- affordable! Plenty of parking out front and its right off the freeway.
I personally think its worth supporting these brick and mortar bookstores versus amazon. -
Review from Susanne C.
Fairfax, CA
1/28/2007
I know it's a chain, but this Borders is pretty good. I can find almost all
current editions of many of my Favorite French magazines. They also
have a very good section of classical literature. I was also impressed
by the selection of books in French they have here. They have a fairly decent cafe here and it is a nice place to go on a rainy cloudy grey day. -
Review from Dana G.
6/28/2009
It makes me feel bad to go to a corporate bookstore when I know that I could just as well get myself a book at the library or at a used bookstore and help out the local folks who are probably more on the struggling edge of struggling than the biggest book chain I know.
HOWEVER: I really do like Borders. I have always liked listening to music there, I like to read in the the kids section because its more set up for long-term reading (and of course that's only when there are no children present), I like the cute little stationary store section, I like the excessive amount of on-sale items (only growing since our economy's s*** hit it the fan), and I like the hours. Its basically always open when I want it to be.
The reason I usually find myself at Borders is to find a great present.
Today I stopped by and picked up a couple of things to start putting together a present. As usual, I had a good experience, which included a parking spot in the shade, long lingering looks at the $1 rack, a chuckle to myself (I tried to share it, but nobody funny was around) at the rack titled "Humor," containing all sorts of dictionaries and reference books, being interrupted perusing the astro-physics section by an employee asking "is everyone finding what you're looking for," time flying by much faster than expected, and a very courteous check-out man. -
Review from Rachel C.
10/28/2007
TYPICAL BORDERS BOOKSTORE.
THEY ARE ALL OVER THE US.
THE SET-UP IS ALMOST IDENTICAL IN THEM ALL.
They also have stores in SEVEN other countries around the world. Yep, this definitely is a chain and a big one. But, sometimes that is not necessarily a bad thing.
BUT IT IS NOT A TYPICAL STORE FOR MARIN COUNTY.
Once you get to know these stores you can walk in the front door of any of them and feel right at home. The store in San Rafael is no exception.
I FEEL RIGHT AT HOME HERE.
The prices are pretty standard book prices. So far as I can tell, they don't have the added "YOU LIVE IN PARADISE TAX!"
There's a small coffee shop like all big book stores have. Not much seating, but the coffee is good. A few seats outside too.
The only drawback to this store is actually finding it and getting into the parking lot. You can see it as you drive by on Hwy 101, but actually getting off at the exit and getting back to the frontage road takes skill and help from the big driving instructor in the sky. And now that they are *IMPROVING* the highway through here, it may take some kinds of witchcraft to set you on the right track.
The businesses located on this frontage road need to come together and create some kind of fun signage that will lead customers to this little strip of stores and shops. There are a lot of clever & colorful ways it could be done . . . sure would help in finding the entrances into these stores. It would be soooo good for their businesses.
But, I'm telling you, be persistent in searching for the right roads to get you in here and you will be rewarded . . . with a great big bookstore and lots and lots of wonderful books to read and give as Holiday presents! -
Review from elizabeth o.
San Rafael, CA
1/27/2009
I usually frequent local bookstores such as passage books for my reading needs because I want to see these mom and pop businesses to survive. However, I do come to Borders because they are the only bookstore that open late on weekends.
I live off books and I like to browse the store for new titles, travel, literature, children book and their sale. I will admit their sales books are very cheap and there is always one I like to get out of the hundred of titles on sale. I really try not to buy anything unless it's on sale. I will go back to my local bookstore to buy the title I'm currently reading.
The coffee isn't too bad here either. -
Review from Amanda H.
Bay Area
2/4/2010
Open late, convenient location, nice employees (which is so hard to find, especially in large chain stores like this)
Somehow, I spent $55 today when I went in to find one $13 book. It is so easy to get distracted here and buy a bunch of crap you don't need or think you want. At the cash register today, the super sweet employee ringing me up talked me into buying a book that I was on the verge of buying anyway, but his persuasion and compliments about the book definitely made my mind up for me....tack on another $14.95...
I especially like the computers that they have at the "Information Center," I never know what book to look for until I go look through those computers. Discount books here are usually a good bargain, but I can't give 5 stars because I do agree that this place is a bit disorganized. -
Review from Julie C.
Portland, OR
12/7/2010
The past two times I've been in here there is a constant beeping noise. It drives me insane. I've asked them to turn it off but the employees don't know how and don't know why it's beeping. I love to get lost in a book store but that's impossible when I'll I hear is beep beep beep beep beep.
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Review from Liesl D.
Atlanta, GA
4/28/2011 7 Check-ins Here
This Borders was a real joy to visit....until the landlord decided not to renew their lease and let Toys R Us expand! It is sadly now undergoing a clearance. You can find some great deals, but it is sad to see this store go.
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Review from Jojo N.
Pleasanton, CA
1/3/2010
I love bookstores, but this one is completely disorganized. I do like their bargain section boxes, though. I was checking their bargain boxes: One was $1.99, $3.99 and $5.99. Sweet. I had one in my hand, but got distracted when my BF made me go with him to check an online poker book out. Oh yeah, their Peppermint Javakulas are good, too. High in calories, but kept me up all night. Yeah!
Listed in: All about Marin County
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Review from Kristina M.
Corte Madera, CA
4/2/2011
I'm really, really gonna miss you guys.
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Review from Richard C.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2006
Borders seems to be one of the few places in San Rafael where people stay up past 9 pm. Most stores in the area close pretty early, so this is definitely the place to go if you're bored late at night (like I am now).
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Review from Mario P.
South San Francisco, CA
2/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
Thank goodness for Borders coupons! Got a 25% off coupon for my birthday yesterday and wanted to use it for a book I've been eyeing since December. Store was clean and the book was easy to find. The cashier even said "Happy Birthday" to me. It was nice and quiet and my son had a great time looking at the car magazines. The cafe prices look a little steep even though the food looked decent. I like the fact that all regular Borders stores have wireless capability.
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Review from Franklin W.
Albany, CA
8/13/2009
This is a bookstore I frequented when I worked in San Rafael, enjoying a cup of coffee and read some books or magazines during lunch time. It's still going strong with an excellent selection of history and travel books. The CD/DVD section has been shrunk on my latest visit (a couple of weeks ago) compare to, say, 1-2 years ago.
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Review from Miriam S.
San Rafael, CA
10/26/2008
Like Richard C. said, this is one of the few places open past 9 in Marin, whew! Yes, you may find better prices in Amazon, but this works just as well when you need some instant gratification, and their "on sale" bookshelves have really good discounts. They have a good variety of those big, funny, silver discs us old timers know as CD's, and movies too. I also love all their little trinkets, and cards. For some reason, I've never had the coffee here, except for their Javanilla. This is pretty good, but it's almost like a whole meal, so make sure you have the munchies.
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Review from Ronald N.
Hercules, CA
7/21/2010
A big parking lot which they share with Toys R Us. A big store. Very quiet with not much people. I like it.
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Review from Raider J.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2009
Best book store in Marin. I come here at least 4 times a week. Great selection of books and mags.
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Review from Peter E.
San Rafael, CA
1/31/2010
Books and fun for the kids while I'm having coffee and reading a newspaper. How bad can it be?
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Review from E. R.
San Rafael, CA
4/17/2010
I am a huge bookstore fan, and I used to prefer Borders over Barnes and Noble. But about a year ago that changed. This store has really slipped, it's disorganized, old, messy, and has nonexistent workers. There's a line like it's Christmas time in the summer sometimes. I find it remarkable that recently they've separated the Mystery/Fantasy/Science Fiction books from the actual book part of the store, they put them all the way where the music section is. It's illogical. The inventory is hit and miss, sometimes the computers tell you the truth and sometimes not. The prices have been getting more expensive and the bookstore industry needs to wake up soon if they want to compete with the Internet (Amazon).
The cafe is small and cold because a main doorway goes right through it. The chairs to sit on are disgustingly old, worn, torn, and look like they have STDs on them.
If Borders wants to really compete, this store really needs: new management, a remodel, more workers, more book inventory, better organization, a nicer cafe. Until then, Barnes wins for me.
*update* Gave their cafe another shot, and wow, there are some real freaks and junkies that come in here. Low class, feels uncomfortable. -
Review from Marc W.
San Rafael, CA
9/12/2009
I've always been a big fan of books and I like the fact that Borders is open late every night (closes early on Sundays) so if I need a book fix I can drive a short distance to the bookstore to pick up something to read. If you join the Borders Rewards Club (no fee) you get % off coupons from time to time for books and/or other items in the store.
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Review from Kristin B.
San Rafael, CA
4/28/2011
Borders - its sad to see you go, but you aren't that well organized and need to be curated. Its aggravating that there aren't many bookstores around. I don't know if that's your fault. I don't want to blame you, but I can't help myself. Its really no wonder - plenty of people sitting around with stacks of books and few people buying much. You weren't really a pleasant place to be - and the music, woe is me, the music...
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Review from Michael R.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2010
I have very much the same reserved feelings others do about corporate places like borders versus small business.
I was in there last Saturday, mid day and the store was somewhat busy, not at all packed. A longer than usual line filled up the bullpen area.
Well, OK. It is Saturday afternoon. I am looking for a specific title, so I have no problem using one of their computers to look it up. In Stock.
Great. All I have to do is find the section. I go to the section and see a sign - something along the lines:
"We are organizing this section - we will gladly assist you blah blah blah"
The "Customer Service" Desk now has a row of computer kiosks and stacks of books needing re shelving on the counter.Never see anyone actually behind it.
There is one person working the entire sales floor while also answering the phones. Wonderful.
He is yelling across the store to another employee about some one calling in sick for the next day.
After wandering the entire floor isle to isle I am able to determine that the section I am looking for does not currently exist as they are moving things around.
Maybe I came here on a bad day. Borders, well their prices are not the best - that is no secret. Independent music bookstores often have stuff at lower prices than the big box type places.
Here is my main complaint: I expect a big company such as Borders to offer at least 1 of 2 things:
1 would be Super low prices, which they do not have with the exception of the closeout bargains (those are great, by the way)
2 would be customer service. If you are going to mark stuff up on a higher margin than smaller businesses, there better at least be an underpaid wage slave there to help me when I need it.
Good thing they have wi-fi (not free, course - but I use T-Mobile so its free for me) so I was able to use my phone to reserve a copy at Barnes & Noble and have it waiting when I got there.
$2 cheaper by way -
Review from larry j.
San Rafael, CA
7/18/2010
corporate bookstore, so what really? but hands down this is the absolute most depressing and unclean/unkept Borders and cafe in the nation. go in their cafe. look at the ripped, stained chairs (if you can see them with the same guys planted on them EVERY day and night, ALL day and night), the piles of books, magazines, trash all around the cafe, and the smell from the hangers-ons' cigarette breaks and stale body odor. mmm. the internet might as well not be offered at this location. it is sooooo slowwwww. torture to use laptop here. but it's open til 11, which in sleepy Marin, makes it an option sometimes :o(
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Review from Shannon C.
Sonoma, CA
12/18/2009
love borders! and the borders rewards card is awesome. i like barnes & nobles too but their rewards card is $25 and borders is free so they get one up on them with that :)
