In a "Dear Borders Customer" e-mail about Barnes & Noble's purchase of Borders loyalty program, B&N CEO William Lynch wrote in part, "First of all let me say Barnes & Noble uniquely appreciates the importance bookstores play within local communities, and we're very sorry your Borders store closed."
He continued: "Our intent in buying the Borders customer list is simply to try and earn your business. The majority of our stores are within close proximity to former Borders store locations, and for those that aren't, we offer our award-winning Nook digital reading devices that provide a bookstore in your pocket. We are readers like you, and hope that through our stores, Nook devices, and our bn.com online bookstore we can win your trust and provide you with a place to read and shop."
Lynch told Borders customers that before October 15 they may opt out of having B&N transfer their information. If they do opt out, "we will ensure all your data we receive from Borders is disposed of in a secure and confidential manner." If not, all data will be covered under B&N's privacy policy.
