Borders UK entered administration in 2009 — 45 stores gone, 1,150 jobs lost

Borders Group entered the UK in 1997 by buying the Books Etc. chain. It opened large-format bookstores under the Borders brand, each featuring a Paperchase stationery concession and a Starbucks cafe. The format was a success in the mid-2000s, winning Chain Bookselling Company of the Year in 2006 and 2007.

In September 2007, the struggling US parent sold its UK business to Risk Capital Partners for just £10 million, retaining a small stake. The chain had 45 Borders and Books Etc. stores at the time. By late 2009 it was running out of cash and could not raise enough to trade through Christmas.

Borders UK entered administration on 26 November 2009. The administrator, MCR, initially tried to find a buyer while running closing-down sales, but on 22 December announced that all 45 remaining stores would close. By Christmas Eve, all 1,150 staff were made redundant. A dispute with publisher Hachette over selling its titles without permission added to the chaos.

The Borders brand was later acquired by Barnes & Noble for its trademark value, while the Books Etc. brand and database were bought by an independent online seller. The brand continued in the Middle East under franchise. But Borders UK's 12-year run on the British high street was over.