You -can- search Borders Store inventory online - there's a link to it on their online, "Amazoned" presence - and it's fairly useful - particularly if you want to pick up a book that day. The problem with Borders' current online presence is that it completely lacks integration with the physical stores. You need to be able to order a book and then go pick it up - that day if it is in stock or the next day by delivery to the store.
I agree with the author of the article - people are unlikely to go to a store to get their digital media - duh. What would probably work though, is putting kiosks into a store so that people can order a book to a store for a hold. For years, bookstores have had "staff only" computers - it's time to have smaller, more accessible kiosks - perhaps even end-capped "jukeboxes" geared towards the subject area they are located in. Better yet - they should also deliver a few "you might also be interested in" selections at the same time and them to you for review when you come to get the book you ordered. That's the key to profit -someone comes into your store looking for one item and walks out with two or three.
I agree with the author of the article - people are unlikely to go to a store to get their digital media - duh. What would probably work though, is putting kiosks into a store so that people can order a book to a store for a hold. For years, bookstores have had "staff only" computers - it's time to have smaller, more accessible kiosks - perhaps even end-capped "jukeboxes" geared towards the subject area they are located in. Better yet - they should also deliver a few "you might also be interested in" selections at the same time and them to you for review when you come to get the book you ordered. That's the key to profit -someone comes into your store looking for one item and walks out with two or three.