With big box bookseller Borders announcing liquidation Monday, reaction at Huntington's landmark was mixed.
Although a blow to the economy with nearly 11,000 jobs and 400 stores at stake, the demise of the retail book giant could mean increased business for independent book stores such as the Book Revue.
"It's probably not good for the publishing world in general," said Robert Klein, co-owner of the Book Revue. "On the other hand for us it could very well be a good thing. For obvious reasons there will be less competition."
Klein said with fewer megastores such as Borders, he might be able obtain more books.
"I'm not affected by it at all because I shop only local stores," said Stacey Kusterbeck of Huntington.
One regular customer of the Book Revue admitted that she enjoys all that independent book stores have to offer, but online sales have drawn her in.
Now in its 34th year in Huntington and one of the premier bookstores on Long Island, Book Revue owners say the closing of Borders would have both good and bad implications.
"I loath to admit it, but yes," said Faith Norwick of Port Washington. She buys books online.
A liquidation group led by Hilco Merchant Resources will begin liquidations as early as Friday, Borders said in a statement to Reuters. A bankruptcy approval could come as early as Thursday.
