Borders and Barnes & Noble are just about equally convenient for us to get to if we need to quickly pick up a book. The simple fact that Borders allows you to search their in-store inventory online and B&N; does not makes the decision of where to go (and specifically which Borders store!) extremely easy. An article from the Wharton School reveals that Borders’ growth strategy included a software program to manage store inventory. The tracking system grew to include forecasting capabilities, making for a highly efficient ordering process. This enabled their speedy growth (and, likely, their online inventory system). Barnes & Noble, however, stuck to the standby superstore formula of economies of scale. They stocked stores with known best-sellers and bargains and lots of them. Both strategies have been successful in achieving growth. However, one has been more successful in supporting my book buying habits. (Wharton School article link, but registration required)