Borders's announcement earlier this month that it would not meet its third-quarter financial targets was quickly followed by more positive news from Barnes & Noble. That continues a trend that has been evident for all of 2004. For the six months ended July 31, sales at B&N's superstores rose 9.1%, compared to 7.2% for Borders's superstores. Comparable-store sales increased 5.1% at B&N's superstores in the six-month period, far surpassing the 1.7% gain posted by Borders. B&N's superstores sales of $116 per square foot also beats Borders's superstore sales-per-square foot of $102. And B&N's superstores average $2.8 million in sales per outlet, compared to $2.6 million for Borders's stores.

Superstore Yardsticks

B & N BORDERS
*Gains in first six months of 2004.
Sales (in millions) $1.871 $1.170
Stores 657 450
Sales per Store (in millions) $2.8 $2.6
Sales per Square Foot $116 $102
Comp Sale Increase* 5.1% 1.7%
Total Sales Increase* 9.1% 7.2%