Borders to close mall bookstores in North Attleborough, Warwick

ANN ARBOR, Mich.—Borders Group Inc. says it will close two mall-based bookstores in Southern New England as part of a nationwide effort to make the chain smaller and more profitable.

The Borders Express at Emerald Square and the Waldenbooks in Warwick Mall are on the company’s list of stores targeted for closure by January 2010.  Borders said the list of 200 stores is not final and is subject to change.

The company will cut about 1,500 jobs as part of the downsizing.

Borders, based in Ann Arbor, Mich., said the closings would leave about 130 Waldenbooks stores still in business.

The company said the closing will not affect any Borders superstores or any of its mall kiosks, including 500 Day by Day Calendar Co. spots and other mall-based stores.

NBC 10 News contributed to this report.