NILES - Another book chain is preparing to replace Borders Group in the Eastwood Mall Complex.
Books-A-Million Inc. plans to open in November in the former Shoe Retreat space in the mall, according to Joe Bell, spokesman for the Cafaro Co. that owns the complex.
"They want to be operating before the holidays," he said.
The 10,300-square-foot location in the Dillard concourse previously was occupied by Shoe Retreat, which closed in April after its parent company filed for bankruptcy.
Books-A-Million, which includes discounted books among its offerings, will try to fill a void left when Borders on Friday officially closed its nearly 24,300-square-foot "big box" store in the Howland Commons part of the mall complex.
The mall hasn't had an inside mainstream book store since Borders Group unit Waldenbooks closed in January 2010. Christian bookseller Lion and Lamb Christian occupies the space.
The Birmingham, Ala., company, which had 231 stores in 23 states as of Aug. 11, favors smaller spaces, Bell said.
Bell said Cafaro officials have received some preliminary interest in the Borders store. He said the site may not reopen as a book store, or it may be divided for smaller spaces.