our diversity commitment

A Letter from Borders Group Chief Executive Officer George Jones
The shifting demographics experienced now and in the future will provide Borders with strategic opportunities for driving sales and creating distinction amongst its competition over the coming years. It is our mission to make Borders the preferred place for knowledge and entertainment throughout the world. Our commitment to diversity directly impacts our ability to drive sales and to successfully deliver our mission to our customers on a day-in-day-out basis.

We realize the impact diversity has on all aspects of our business. It is physically evident within the walls of our stores, demonstrated by how well our products speak to the needs of our diverse customers, supported through local community events and activities, reflected by the composition of our employee base, expressed within our internal and external diversity awareness communications and embedded in our framework for a formal supplier diversity program.

We truly value the diversity of our employees, customers and vendors because it results in our ongoing success. Although we will never lose sight of why Borders' loyal customers love us, we also understand the importance of accurately anticipating the needs and shopping preferences of future customers. Embracing diversity can help get us there.

I will make a personal commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are a part of everyday life at Borders. I value the creative ideas, out of the box thinking, personal opinions that diversity of thought provides. It is the individuality of our booksellers that will make Borders the preferred place to work and shop.

George L. Jones
President and CEO

diversity
passion, personified

In a bookstore, vastly differing ideas and viewpoints live together, side by side on our shelves. Shifting trends and cultural interests mean that no one idea is the correct one, and the bookstore that can embrace the greatest range of perspectives will find the most success within the marketplace. It is fitting that, as a Borders Seller, diversity is not just a buzzword—diversity of thought is a foundational concept, a basic tenant of the role we play in the communities we serve. We recognize that every one of us—whether as a customer or an employee—come to Borders with different beliefs, hopes, interests, and dreams. We believe that the true potential of change is realized through our diversity.

Within our home office, we have a number of Employee Action Groups committed to furthering the professional development of many cultural groups, both within our organization and in the world at large. Our stores reflect this internal emphasis on diversity, as we implement store initiatives such as African American and Latino Boutiques, which feature products that reflect those cultures.

Our Diversity Statement
At Borders Group, diversity is who we are. Our commitment to diversity extends to progressive policies that uphold the right to personal dignity and fairness.

Every person has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of:

• race
• religion
• color
• creed
• nationality
• age
• disability
• gender
• gender identity
• sexual orientation
• veteran or military status
• marital status
• citizenship status

Borders Group supports the individuality of each employee and encourages all those who wish to grow to explore their talents and seek expanded opportunities. This deep-rooted enthusiasm for diversity of people and perspectives reaches from our corporate office into our stores, distribution centers, and into every community we serve around the world.

Learn more about Borders' diversity commitment.