I had an airline-like customer service experience at Border's in Birmingham today. I guess books are an inexpensive escape as the store was very busy. They had over 100 people in the check-out line filed all the way to the rear of the store. An associate tried to be helpful and was handing out candy. Instead a parent raised a fuss because they gave candy to her child. A cry for the manager followed. She proceeded to announce to the line of customers, "this is what happens when we get cut to the bone!" Sometimes there's such a thing as too much honesty. I left my books on a shelf came home and bought the same pile of books for $20 less on Amazon with free shipping. Then I went and got the mail. What company was profiled on the cover of this week's Barron's as America's best retailer? You guessed it, Amazon. And, unfortunately, while I root for Michigan-based Border's they're not putting up the best fight. Free candy or free shipping? From here on I'll be ordering from "home sweet home."