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Borders - CLOSED
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
316 W El Camino RealSunnyvale, CA 94087
(408) 730-5050
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
75 reviews for Borders
Review Highlights
"The staff is helpful and the store is well organized."
(in 4 reviews)
"The location is spacious and spread out through two floors."
(in 4 reviews)
"I usually like getting my study mode here."
(in 9 reviews)
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75 reviews in English
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Review from Sridhar D.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/2/2011
Sad to see Borders closing down. I guess there is not much scope for survival for these brick and mortar businesses in the digital age. How much profit can they be making after spending their money maintaining the large store and that too in the heart of Bay Area and taking care of salaried employees. And how can they compete with the online prices? It's inevitable that they close down. I wonder whether in another 50 years there would even be printed books available.
Anyway, for the pragmatic part of the review --- note that a lot of the items are on sale including the fixtures. The discounts are also significant and it would be worth the trip to get a few deals. A lot of the books were already gone but I'm not sure if they'll be restocking from their warehouses or other locations. -
Review from April Z.
San Francisco, CA
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's unfortunately Borders closed down. I'm actually not sure if this store is still open - last time I checked was around August.
But in case it is still open - this is an average Borders. The books are there, but the comfort level's lower than usual. It's two floors, doesn't have a lot of seating other than the coffee shop area, and doesn't have as good a selection of books. The coffee shop area itself isn't so great either because there's barely any outlets, the tables are tiny and super close to each other. There's also no one working at the register, so you have a ring a bell and wait for a normal employee to come by to ring you up. -
Review from Bayphile C.
San Jose, CA
8/17/2011
Just want to let everyone know this location is still very much open (I was there on August 16). A sign says this Borders is receiving new stock from a warehouse--must be a really big one--every day. Most items are 30 percent off; some are up to 50 percent. If you buy six or more items Monday through Wednesday, you get an extra discount.
I implore my fellow Yelpers to post a status update every week. The thing about close-out sales is if you wait too long, the good stuff is gone. But if you shop too early, the discounts are only average. Under normal circumstances, 30 percent is very good, but bargain hunters expect more for liquidation sales. I believe the Palo Alto store is still open as well.
Do check out the Trader Joe's around the block on Sunnyvale-Saratoga and El Camino Real when you decide to stop by to say goodbye to Borders. And don't forget C.J. Olson Cherries. -
Review from Andrew S.
7/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Okay, so this place is closing in a couple months, but in times like these you can see why. Who would pay full price for a book, when you can order in the comfort of your own home from http://Amazon.com for 40% off the retail price.
Borders prices are not competitive at all (except of course for their buy one, get one 50% sale, where you'll get a handful of popular choices). Other than browsing the aisles for books that I may get elsewhere, Border's was destined for failure. As unfortunate as this may seem, hopefully this opens the eyes for other businesses to compete in a technological world.
A note to those that are looking for a bargain from their liquidation sale. Be prepared to wait in line and swim through a pile of books. I walked in to take a peek and walked right out. I'll login to http://Amazon.com for my bargain book buys and actually get what I'm looking for.Listed in: Bookworm
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Review from Carrie B.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 7/1/2011 13 Check-ins Here
This is my second review for this store. The first time, I rated them 4 stars. Now they're down to 1. Why? I'll tell you why.
Two weeks ago, I went in looking for a newly released book. For some reason, they only had 5 copies to start with. They were sold out. Seriously, you're a bookstore, and you're only ordering 5 copies of a brand new book? This week, I went in looking for another new release. Again, it wasn't there. As the computers actually worked this time, I didn't bother asking anyone for help. I looked it up, and it said "not in store." Somehow I wasn't surprised. I ended up finding the book I had been looking for 2 weeks ago, so I bought it. The girl that rung me up seemed to have an "I don't give a shit" attitude. Other than saying "hi," my total, and "do you need a bag," she was monotone and disinterested. She didn't even say "have a nice day" when I was done paying. In fact, she said nothing. I said thank you, and left.
The store never seems to have anything in stock, whether it's because they had an absurd amount of copies available or they "can't find it." Why do I bother coming here? That, I don't know. Barnes and Noble has always had what I'm looking for, especially new releases. Why bother with Borders anymore?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/2/2011
This store is pretty much a hit or miss when you're looking for something specific. The only reason… Read more »
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Review from Frankie S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/7/2011
To: Borders Sunnyvale
Goodbye my an old friend. I helped to organize you 10 years ago before you opened. I sold your books and I made your coffee. Thank you for all the great times...and some bad. It wasn't your fault about the bad really, just the bad viruses you had in your belly...ehem...sales floor. Some of your books are still on my shelf. I shall read them and remember you. To all of my ex-coworkers, thank you for all the good times. To those that had no brain at all, thank you for the laughs. Borders Sunnyvale, adios. -
Review from Allister D.
Sunnyvale, CA
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is one of my favorite chill out spots to just sit down and pick up my fav magazines to read. Really relaxing for me. I enjoy the wide open space as well! There's room to breathe here and the lighting is incredible. The cafe isn't that good but it doesn't matter. Great study session place too! I usually like getting my study mode here.
Overall, this borders is the best book place out there. -
Review from Edgar N.
12/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Hidden in a strip mall on El Camino Real, you might not think this Borders is as big as it is from the outside. The moment you walk through the doors, though, you're surprised by two floors of books, music, DVDs, magazines and a coffee shop to boot.
This Borders is pretty standard fare: good book selection, pleasant staff, decent quality coffee in the coffee shop. The layout can be a little daunting but the staff is more than ready to help you get what you need quick. If you're more the DIY type, the computer kiosks can tell you that copy of "8 1/2" is in stock or not. Easy-breezy checkout makes the experience practically painless.
My only gripes here are the Blu-Ray selection could use a few more titles, and parking is tough since it shares the lot with PF Changes, Chipotle and Fourbuck...I mean, Starbucks.
Game on, book nerds. :) -
Review from Samson W.
Milpitas, CA
Updated - 7/28/2011
Like Andrew S. said, this place is now OK as the whole chain is going out of business in early September. The discounts there so far are not worth it. Only 20% for most items. 40% for Blu-Rays and magazines.
I would not go there to buy anything right now. Give it a few weeks.Listed in: Silicon Valley Bookstores
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2011
I disagree with Carrie that this store is pretty much a hit or miss. Certainly not for any of the… Read more »
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Review from Jay A.
8/2/2011 12 Check-ins Here
My favorite hang out spot is finally shutting down. Good bye!
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Review from Sandy T.
San Jose, CA
1/26/2011
The cafe at this location is ridiculously COLD! The AC seems to be stuck on let's-freeze-everyone's-ass-off mode - maybe an attempt to prevent people from lingering and reading magazines that will never get purchased.
Nipples protruding from shirts indicated that I was indeed correct. A sweater here is a must - or else, fellas - prepare to freeze your balls off. Ladies - prepare to freeze your lady balls off. -
Review from Anna V.
11/21/2010
This is one of the better Borders locations I've been to. Their cafe looks awesome (and relatively quiet for studying/working), and their employees actually seem like they care about helping you (*gasp!*).
I came here to look for a study guide I needed for one of my classes, but it wasn't at its location at all even thought the web site said it would be there. Some stupid kid must have misplaced it. Anyway, a young lady there helped me look for it and asked her colleagues for help as well. As the way that customer service goes these days, especially with big chain stores, I really wasn't expecting much but today was a wonderful experience! I also observed some other employees on the phone with some customer who had some big issue with those giant pink/purple Christmas trees and they were very helpful to her.
I wish this Borders was closer to home so I could come here more often. It's larger than the Milpitas location and definitely a lot nicer. -
Review from Jon N.
Santa Clara, CA
6/16/2011
End of life cycle :( use gift cards online before it's too late.
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Review from Steven G.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/26/2011
This review is overdue and, unfortunately, too late to save Borders. I've never really been a fan of chain bookstores (I feel they helped kill small boutiques like Kepler's). However, I always found this Borders store to have a really sophisticated selection of books. My particular interests are international affairs, history and politics, and I always found those sections were stocked with decent titles.
Above all, I'll miss having a good local bookstore to just browse and pass the time. There's no doubt the internet is convenient, but it makes a poor substitute and can't compete with the pleasure of exploring a real "bricks and mortar" store.
I never thought I'd mourn the loss of a strip mall chain bookstore. -
Review from Patricia V.
Mountain View, CA
1/3/2011
Well I'm always a sucker for a 50% off calendar on January 2, 2011, and of course I love looking through the shelves of discounted books, games and the like.
Come on now...Big Book of Sudoko for $4.99 and it has 632 puzzles...how could I pass up that deal? Now that's was a bargain, cuz me and my southern comfort boyfriend love to play us some Sudoko. We tag team and knock off the extreme and expert puzzles.
Wowza, there were tons of people in Border's yesterday afternoon and the steady stream of customers checking out was at least 25 readers long and stayed consistent for at long time. I really didn't mind waiting. I'm just happy that so many people were out buying books and not at home stuck to the tube, or shall I use today's lingo...stuck to the flat screen. -
Review from Alan M.
4/25/2011
So this is the only Borders left in the south bay? Bleah. (or is it Meh?) Given the parking situation in the shopping center, I doubt I'll come here very often.
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Review from C J.
Los Gatos, CA
7/19/2011
R.I.P Borders, thank you for so many great books over the years. You will be missed.
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Review from Sparkely K.
Silicon Valley, CA
8/7/2009
I popped in to this location while on my weekly jaunt to Sunnyvale (with the oddly numbered streets...) as I wanted to pick up a NY Times Crossword Puzzle book. I do this because I fear that my brain will age if I don't challenge it in a variety of ways.
I arrived just before opening and at 0900 walked up to the door where I was warmly greeted by the young man opening the store. He smiled and wished each of us a 'good morning!' Wow. He was chipper! I loved it. Sort of like a "Back to the Future" moment and it was the 1950's scene. Nice people. Happy. Customer service. Like back in the olden days. Service inside the store was just as friendly. Got my crossword puzzle book and my brain is happy.
This is the friendliest Border's I've shopped at in the Bay Area.
**And though I prefer the small, local bookstores, for both atmosphere and supporting my community (I am forgiven, R?), there are simply times when convenience trumps community mindedness. :) -
Review from John L.
Mountain View, CA
2/16/2009
This is the nearest Borders from where I live so I always come here when I need to do some reading for work or leisure reading.
Selection wise this Borders is great, it has more books than other Borders I've been to. I usually come here to read the latest magazines and technology books I can't find at the library.
The only complaints are the leather chairs here are worn out. They have big holes in them where u see the cushion. Also, parking here tends to be a little tough since it shares the parking lot with various other establishments such as P.F. Changs, Starbucks, Chipotle, C.J. Olson, etc. -
Review from Dave K.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/4/2008
This Borders has a very good selection and it isn't too crowded. The staff is helpful when you can get a hold of them but like everyone knows, parking in Cherry Orchard is near impossible.
I'll be honest, I rarely buy books in the store anymore. I check them out in real life and then buy them on Amazon. Borders doesn't seem to have the same discounts (at least to the same levels) as Barnes & Noble, or at least I'm not aware of them. The six GMAT books I wanted to buy cost about $155 in Border's and only $107 at Amazon. Yeah ... I just go there to look. Rarely do I need a book RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT, so the subduing of the instant gratification bug saves me a good chunk of money. -
Review from Amy O.
6/3/2007 6 Check-ins Here
Parking is horrible here as the stores is in a shopping center with a lot of popular retailers/restaurants. Also, ended up going to Barnes & Noble on Stevens Creek due to Borders having multiple facings of the same magazines rather than having a true variety.
Also, make sure if you park in the 30 minute parking, that you are only there for 30 minutes. The shopping center strictly monitors it. -
Review from Sabrina A.
San Jose, CA
12/7/2009
The parking: I arrived here at 10am, it's kind of packed but still plenty of parking. The later you go the less parking though which can be a hassle.
The coffee spot: The woman who helped me is crazy slow, I mean she did a good job and gave me extra foam from my cafe au lait but still crazy slow. My coffee from Seattle's Best was $2.40, it has kind of a burnt taste even with the extra milk and sugar. Oh and they don't have any pastries!! Nothing for me to eat in the morning, I was soooo sad! But the spot has plenty of seating, it's very clean, outlets for your laptop, FREE WIFI and is fairly comfy with others studying/working.
Their selection here of calenders, books, cds is fairly large and in general it's pretty standard borders. I'm sure you could find what you are looking for. I found Christmas sheet music for piano pretty well and reasonably. -
Review from Thuy P.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/5/2010
I like this Borders location. There is a huge cafe area with plenty of tables & seats and outlets for your laptop if you plan to camp out for a couple of hours with your cup of joe. The wifi isn't too terrible and slow here. There is also an outdoor seating area with plenty of shade and large umbrellas. It can get pretty busy on a Thursday night around 7pm here (surprisingly). The crowd is more on the 'quiet' side at this Borders, so I tend to keep my loud mouth down to a minimal to be respectful of ones who may or appear to be working.
The cafe staff is very friendly and will try their best to cater to your drink specials if you do not see it on the menu. Just ask and you may receive! This has become my usual bookstore/cafe hang out spot from time to time. -
Review from Kelly B.
San Jose, CA
3/6/2009
Do you think I've been grumpy lately? ...or just sensitive?
I went to The Seattle's Best in this Borders to read the four articles on differential instruction needed for my CUR722 class. It was a less than stellar experience.
First of all, I stepped up to the espresso bar just in time to catch a nasty exchange between the cafe manager and the barrista. Oh, excuse me, will you have to take time from snarking at each other to make me a coffee drink? The manager stalked off and the barrista tried to gather enough energy to steam the milk for a large capuccino.
The chairs were hideous uncomfortable. If I wanted chairs that were hard and unyielding, I could have stayed home to sit in the lawn furniture we call chairs in the weekday studio. That's ok, this certainly helped me stay focused and not lapse into comfortableness.
There were lots of cute younger studiers... but I wanted to get up and confront the older dudes across the area, "Hey! Just because you are speaking French doesn't mean (a) we can't understand you and (b) your loud volume isn't annoying. ::Laugh::: I know it's not a library... just realize... I can hear every nuance of your side of a cell phone conversation and if you are talking to your roommate about her falling asleep on the couch, I WILL listen in!
All said, it was a productive study session. I got all four articles read and reviewed and made it home in time for the new Survivor. It was a three-star experience. -
Review from Mark G.
Elk Grove, CA
4/13/2006
Parking can be tough, but otherwise, this is a well laid out and comfortable Borders. There are two floors (like the Palo Alto location), with the music area at the top. I love being able to listen to most of the cd's beforehand using their cool listening system.
The lighting is good, and when it's not too busy, you can usually find a chair to peruse books in. The floorplan is logical and well-designed, so finding books is usually not a problem.
Also, one complaint in general: why do people come to bookstores like these and hog seats in order to STUDY? Gee, I thought a LIBRARY would work better, or even--your HOUSE! It irritates me to no end when I'm looking around for a good book and maybe want to give it a test read, and lo and behold, all the chairs are taken by people who are studying and MAY buy one magazine for the three hours they spend there. Get a clue.
Note: the aforementioned rant does NOT apply to people who study in the cafe after buying drinks. That is different. But all you other people who treat bookstores like a library...you know who you are....you are the same crowd that forces 7-11 owners to post signs that magazines are for BUYING and not for READING IN THE STORE. You are the same people who visit and revist the sample person at Trader Joe's until they run out of stuff. You are the people who have absolutely zero respect for storeowners because you think it's fun to browse for 3 hours than leave without buying anything. Newsflash: it ain't cool. -
Review from Norma A.
11/19/2008
I love books!
I can't help but buy a ton of books every time I come into a Borders. I actually picked up a great foreign film at this one, La Mujer de Mi Hermano (My Brother's Wife), Great Choice!
My only complaint is that there were children running up and down the stairs. Parents please watch your children. -
Review from Gil A.
South San Francisco, CA
2/5/2008 1 photo
Since there's no B&N (which is actually my first preference) in Sunnyvale, Borders would be my only choice, when I think of a bookstore to go & shop for books, or even just to hang around or meet with friends & business associates... just like B&N, it has bookstores in most cities across the USofA & stores that are also clean, organized, & well-stocked with practically anything... indeed, this is my second place to B&N to visit & hang out... even when I just want to go browsing through the store in their book & magazine section or having a cup of coffee. Staff are helpful & friendly, too.
It's indeed a nice way to kill or spend some spare time on a late lazy afternoon or early evening. I have been coming to this Borders for years... even when I don't have anything in particular that I want to buy :-) -
Review from Laurie S.
Los Altos, CA
8/23/2009
I picked up a 1,000 page hardcover anthology of American short stories from the bargain books section and walked up to the register to pay for it with my 40% of coupon
Guy at the register: This book has been marked down to $1
Me: *OH MY GOD ARE YOU FOR SERIOUS?! I CAN'T BELIEVE I FOUND SOMETHING CHEAP AT BORDER'S!! WTF?!*
Guy: ....
Me: ...
....
Cool.
But seriously, who pays $20-30 for books anymore? -
Review from Susan D.
12/23/2008
This Borders location is small and unfortunately, located with a parking lot that is almost always packed full at night, making it no more convenient than other locations. Blah.
It is close to my house however, and has almost all the cool things that other Borders have so, I'll probably be back.
See ya there. -
Review from 'amy e.
Cambridge, MA
6/24/2007
The staff here has always been friendly and helpful, and this Borders has, well, the same type of massive selection of books that every other bookstore in a big chain of bookstores has. Parking is pretty bad here, even when I've shown up at 10 at night on an urgent quest for a particular title. I can't comment on the noise because I never stay for very long...
That would be because I can't seem to go to this Borders without a random weird 40-something dude following me through the aisles and brushing up against me while whispering sweet nothings, compliments, or suggesting we hook up later. Always a different one. This doesn't happen nearly as frequently at other bookstores...or anywhere else for that matter. Creepy, or good for my ego? I think I'll start going to other bookstores instead. Or ordering off of sweet, sweet Amazon. -
Review from Soul B.
Union City, CA
8/23/2010 14 Check-ins Here
I like Borders book store. The place is big, inviting and not over crowded. There's a coffee shop located here (I think it's a Peet's or maybe a generic one? I never get coffee here and actually never look or hang out in that area). I signed up for a Borders card (free) and I get emails with coupons for books. I use the coupons at least once every 2 weeks and it's been great. You can also use the coupons for online orders which is great. I like it better than Barnes & Nobles because you have to pay for the Barnes card and who wants to do that?
The prices of the books are a little on the pricey side and you're better off ordering from Amazon. I usually shop and Borders if I want to be able to flip through books and can't wait to order it from Amazon. Some times I'll check out the book at Borders and order from Amazon because the prices are cheaper. I like Borders but it's smarter to check out the books and order them online from Amazon.
I like the fact that it's in a nice plaza that has a Starbucks and a Chipotle. So if you get your book, you can sit eat and chill. -
Review from Donna Y.
San Jose, CA
11/10/2010
It is dangerous to go to Borders. I went in thinking I need to start reading something instead of to much Tv. So I started to check out books, I found one that I liked but it was hard bound. Then I check the price, $25 bucks!!! I was thinking I don't need to read that badly. I better head over to the paperbacks. Since I really enjoyed the movie Eat, Pray, Love. I wanted to read the book, but I think it was an impulse buy. I paid $15 bucks for it and I should have bought it on Amazon which was much cheaper. Lately I been trying to be better about spending money. Then I found these little things for Christmas. By the time I got to the register the guy asked me if I want to buy a book for donation and its for the kids and they get a blanket with it. I said sure why not, for kids and reading its a good cause. I started to look through the books, I didn't want to buy something to expensive and something that I didn't know. He picked up a good book and I remember reading it as a kid. So after all said and done I spent $40 bucks. The idea was just to spend $20 bucks and that's it. Yes I failed, but everyone was very nice at Borders. Unfortunately I am going to return my book and order it online since I got a few items to order from Amazon. Sorry Borders.
I will come back again but I better be better about spending money here. -
Review from J T.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/26/2007
Easy to get sucked into the stacks of books, stationery and music selection at this store. Their cafe has my favorite hot chocolate, too! Cookbook section is extensive, and had some hard-to-find ethnic books which were unavailable on Amazon, of all places. I like the three for two, or four for three, or whatever, sales table in front of the stairs. Kids' section is well-organized, and features both the classic favorites and new titles. I love it when I see parents bringing their children here.
Due to the trauma most shoppers must endure to secure a parking spot, I believe Borders should have a bar, not a coffee shop, in this place.Listed in: Books!
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Review from Ann F.
Mountain View, CA
7/18/2007
I called looking for a book. Although this Borders did not have it in stock, they directed me to the closest Borders with the requested book. I appreciate that type of service.
I agree with the other reviewers that parking is difficult during busy times at this shopping center. -
Review from Dennis O.
3/23/2008
Large, cozy this branch has a nice selection of books and seems to be bigger than most branches I have seen so far. Its in a nice mall area and seems to have plenty of parking. Seems to have a lot of people even late on Saturdays.
Good question: The picture isnt the same branch. -
Review from Laura P.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/25/2009
This location is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, it's also everyone else's. Therefore finding parking at peak hours is impossible. I really don't understand why they didn't allow for a larger parking area when they designed it.
That being said, I like coming here for lunch/dinner and then going to Borders after. They have a decent selection of books and magazines, but it seems to me that their CD and DVD collection has fallen. I also don't like the new layout of the store. I liked when they had the Sci-Fi/Mystery section near the registers. Now it seems more empty with the discount books there. -
Review from Geri N.
Milpitas, CA
3/19/2011
I can see why Border's not doing so well.
I reserved a book online and almost immediately I received an email reply which I thought was amazing since it didn't take very long. So the next day drove in the rain for 30 minutes from my house to this location because it was the closest one to my house that had it in stock (or so the website said). When I got there, the clerk at the front tried to find it behind the registers, nothing there. So we walk over to info desk, looked up the book, went to the section and it wasn't there.
All I got was a "I'm sorry, I guess it's not there. Do you want me to check if another Borders have it?" Really?! I drove in this ridiculous rain for half an hour to hear this? -
Review from Catherine H.
Campbell, CA
Updated - 8/13/2009
Update: They have added free Internet.
Update: They no longer have the "no outside food policy" -but they also no longer serve much food. They've discontinued sandwiches and nearly all other food items from the menu due to problems with the supplier. They now have pastries (frozen and then thawed to serve), however those pastries are *more* expensive than the freshly baked goods sold a few doors down at a gourmet food shop.
All that said, they continue to have a very friendly staff and good book selection.
The seating area is also no longer crowded. Not sure if this is due to the economy or fact that the cafe is not serving food (or both?) but one can now find seating in the cafe pretty much at any time.
Con is no free Internet even though Barnes and Noble just announced free Internet at all of their stores.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/7/2008
This Borders is generally good and very good compared to other stores in the area. It gets three… Read more »
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Review from Eric E.
Cupertino, CA
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Every time when I try to find this place, I keep forgetting which plaza it is on. There is like 3 plazas behind each other and I still haven't learned it well! The store itself is huge. I find myself reading magazines and sometimes check out the bestsellers. Actually, the best sellers are a bit disorganized at times. Now if you want some coffee, just head over to the back on the ground level. Plenty of seats but it seems pretty dark or dim. I've done some reading here but I didn't feel so motivated.
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Review from Kimberly B.
San Jose, CA
2/4/2009
I think I came here on a bad night. Although the holidays have already passed, the store was a complete mess and many of the books on the shelves were disheveled and out of place. Even though I used their computer system to locate the books I needed, it took me a while longer to actually find the books because they weren't in the right spots.
This store is pretty small, so finding a spot to sit in their cafe can be tough. They should have more chairs available on both floors for you to sit and read!
