Borders will ship out-of-stock items free

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Borders Group Inc. said Tuesday it will offer free shipping on any items not found in its stores that are available on its Web site in an effort to drive sales ahead of the holidays.

If customers don't find an item in stock at a Borders store, and it is available on Borders.com, Borders will pay for shipping costs to the customer's home.

The offer applies to any items carried on Borders.com, not just books.

The program will run through Dec. 16, the last day items can be located and reach customers in time for Christmas.

Also, most orders over $25 on the company's Web site will be shipped for free as well.

Retailers across the board are stepping up promotions in an effort to avoid last year's dismal results, which was the weakest holiday season in decades.

Bricks-and-mortar book retailers have faced increased competition from discounters and online retailers such as Amazon.com. Discounters and Amazon are currently embroiled in a price war, with Walmart and Target stores and Amazon each offering best-sellers on pre-order for about $9.

And the price war could be extended. Amazon was still selling hardcovers of John Grisham's "Ford County" and Barbara Kingsolver's"The Lacuna" for just $9 on Tuesday, the official release date for both books.

Chief rival Barnes&Noble Inc. declined to comment on Borders' offer.

Border's shares rose 5 cents, or 2.6 percent, to $1.99 during morning trading.