First-Day Harry Potter Sales Top 850,000 Copies for Borders Group, Setting New Sales Record; More Than Half a Million Fans Participate in ''Midnight Magic'' Parties in Borders, Books etc. and Waldenbooks Stores Around the World

Business Wire, July 17, 2005

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE:BGP) today reported that more than 850,000 copies of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" were sold through its approximately 1,200 Borders(R), Books etc.(R) and Waldenbooks(R) stores worldwide on the first day of sales (July 16 12:01 a.m.-11 p.m.). This is the highest first-day sales of any title ever in the retailer's history and compares to 750,000 copies sold in the summer of 2003 when "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" completed its first day of global sales for Borders Group.

"Each Harry Potter book continues to top the last," said Borders Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Josefowicz. "In Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling has created a true cultural phenomenon. Readers of all ages continue to respond to the vivid characters, amazing adventures and sense of wonder that run through all Harry Potter books. Judging by past Harry Potter titles, the first week of sales is the hottest, and the books typically remain popular through the holiday season."

More than half a million fans attended special "Midnight Magic" parties at the company's stores around the globe where they participated in dozens of fun-filled activities. From Borders in Singapore, which remained open for 39 consecutive hours, to Puyallup, Wash., where Harry Potter fans camped outside overnight, Borders stores worldwide were filled with anxious customers who cheered enthusiastically as they finally received the long-awaited title.

About Borders Group

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group is a leading global retailer of books, music and movies with more than 1,200 stores and over 32,000 employees worldwide. More detailed information on the company is available at www.bordersgroupinc.com.