The West Australian newspaper carried a report, yesterday, that formalised something that some of us had known for a while. On Sunday, May 20 US retail chain Borders will begin its acquisition of the Western Australian book/music market with the opening of a three storey superstore on the Hay Street Mall. The new store, which will also include a coffee shop, is a short walk from two of the largest bookstore franchises in the state, Angus & Robertsons and Dymocks. I’ve only seen a limited number of Borders stores in Australia or the US, but this is the first I’ve seen that won’t have it’s own dedicated parking, which seems odd. Regardless of that, I’ll be surprised if either chainstore is still in business in 18 months, and a large number of smaller stores will also struggle. Borders have made no formal announcement, but another three stores in suburban centres have also been rumoured.