Borders bankruptcy isn't good for indies

You might think the widespread store closings resulting from Borders' recent bankruptcy would be good news for independent booksellers. But you'd be wrong.

Inkwood Books, a perennial favorite among Tampa's voracious readers for nearly 20 years, is lamenting the shutdown of all three of Borders' citywide locations, two on North Dale Mabry Highway and one at Westfield Brandon mall. It is offering a 25% discount to Borders Rewards cardholders as a way to win their business.

Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Borders Group Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Feb. 16 amid fierce online competition and mounting debt.