PRESS RELEASE FROM BORDERS UK

Borders UK & Ireland Ltd Launches First Online Bookstore With Tangent

Leading retailer Borders UK & Ireland has commissioned online communications experts Tangent Labs to build and run a new transactional website, allowing customers to buy directly from Borders for the first time. The launch of the site will mark the end of Borders' agreement with Amazon, which previously provided the company's online retail service.

Borders is determined to reflect the high quality of the in-store shopping experience for its online customers. The website, due to launch in spring 2008, will list more than one million products. Tangent will be responsible for the design, creation and management of the website, which will contain a bespoke search engine and community areas for customers in addition to online shopping – initially covering books, CDs, DVDs, and computer games.


The contract was awarded to Tangent following a competitive five way pitch. Tangent proved its expertise earlier this year by implementing a web creator to launch www.borderslocal.co.uk , a satellite site that enables 70 stores across the UK and Ireland to manage their own personalised pages to better engage their local customers.


David Kohn, Commercial Director, Borders UK & Ireland, said: "Developing a profitable and distinctive e-commerce site is a key business initiative for Borders UK & Ireland. Tangent Labs demonstrated a good understanding of the Borders brand and what we need to do to succeed in this highly competitive sector. We believe they have a sound and flexible technology, plus a real can-do attitude and enthusiasm for the project. We expect to launch our new site in early spring 2008."


Greg Jackson, Director, Tangent, said: "Borders' stores provide a community shopping experience for thoughtful readers, so Tangent Labs were the natural partners to bring this to life online. Our core Taobase technology powers some of the most sophisticated community websites and a wide range of commercially successful e-commerce sites; bringing these together will provide Borders' customers with a compelling experience."