Here, Borders isn't any less expensive than other bookstores. Although I do have to admit...they often have better sales, and offer better books on discount, than Barnes & Noble. And Borders does seem to have a bit of a wider selection (in non-fiction; B&N is much better on SF/Fantasy). But our Borders here is so disorganized; its difficult to find anything there. I don't know why that is. I've been in other Borders locations, and they aren't nearly so random as our local store.
Anyway, all things being equal, if I'm looking for something particular I'll generally go to B&N before I try Borders. If I'm just interested in browsing, I might try Borders first. But, in reality, it isn't unusual for me to go to both if I've made the trek across town, as they are right across the street from each other.
All that being said, I really much prefer the B. Dalton right down the street from here. It isn't large and doesn't have a huge selection, but the staff is very helpful and will search and order without complaint...not something that is necessarily true of the bigger stores.
There are only a few independent bookstores in town, and most of them are religious bookstores. The one that is not is outragously expensive and has never, when I've visited, had any book in stock that I would really want to buy.
Most of the used bookstores in town are in an area where it is very difficult to find parking, so I don't visit them much. There is a used bookstore just a couple of blocks from my place, but their sf/fantasy stock is not that great; neither is their non-fiction stock. I only go there if I'm looking for mystery/suspense, which is their largest section.
