With cafe operations in nearly all of its stores, Borders is one of the nation's largest specialty coffee retailers. In addition, BGI owns Walden Book Company, Inc., which has approximately 900 Waldenbooks stores in malls, shopping centers and airports in all 50 states as well as a seasonal calendar kiosk operation. BGI also has 13 Borders superstores throughout Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The company's retail convergence strategy is integration across all channels, providing customers with a high quality brand experience that meets their needs whenever, however and wherever they choose to shop. This strategy has proven to be successful and is the foundation of the company's future.
International development continues to be a strong growth initiative.
The first major U.S. book and music retailer to expand internationally, Borders Group has successfully brought its particular brand and style of retail to an overseas audience. Mature international stores are already producing positive store contribution. Our plans for the future include domestic superstore growth, excellence in execution throughout all channels, emerging technology investments and a strong focus on our key growth initiatives.