2 more LI Borders stores may close

Two more Long Island Borders may close as the bookstore chain struggles with curbing costs and finding a buyer as it works its way through bankruptcy proceedings.

Borders stores in Syosset and Riverhead are on a list of 51 across the United States that may shut down, as noted in papers the company filed Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan. Earlier this year Borders closed shops in Commack and Westbury after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February.

It is unlikely that all 51 stores will close, said Stefanie Goodsell, a Borders spokeswoman.

But she added there is a strong chance the Syosset location will cease operation. "We have worked with the landlords to come up with more favorable lease terms to bring the store to an acceptable level of profitability," Goodsell said. "But the discussions were not successful. The decision has nothing to do with the quality and productivity of the staff at the store."

Frequenters of the Syosset Borders were dismayed at the possibility of the store's end.

"If this Borders closed, I think it would be detrimental," said Kathleen Conklin, a teacher at the nearby Harry B. Thompson Middle School. "I know a lot of kids that come here. It's a very academically oriented community -- to not have a major bookstore would be difficult."

Gerry Limone of Roslyn, who bought a birthday gift at the Syosset store, said she enjoyed coming to the bookshop on her lunch break since she worked nearby.

"I do the Amazon thing, but when I'm not looking for a specific book . . . I was just browsing here today, you can't do that on Amazon," she said.

According to the chain, Borders would be required to shut down more stores if it cannot maintain or get new lease terms with landlords -- a stipulation in its agreement with General Electric Co., which loaned the bookseller $505 million in bankruptcy financing.

Andy Graiser, co-president of DJM Realty in Melville -- the company in charge of selling and negotiating leases for Borders stores -- said the situation is very "fluid" right now, and discussions with landlords are still taking place. He added that the list of official closings should be finalized within weeks.

With the shutdowns in Commack and Westbury, there are currently five Borders stores operating on Long Island.

Borders has already closed at least 220 stores this year. The bookseller has lost revenue as the rise of the e-book and tablets market cuts into sales of books.

Also on the new list of closures are Borders stores at Penn Station, Columbus Circle and Kennedy Airport.