The Alpena Mall is going to lose a store that has been with it for more than 20 years. Borders Corporation is closing the Waldenbooks store after the holidays.

The move is part of a massive overhaul that will close 200 stores nationwide, leaving the company only 132 book operating stores, most of them in malls. In Michigan there will be eight closin, including Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw, the outlet store in Birch Run, and the Alpena location.

"The store will close sometime in January," Borders/Waldenbooks Corporate Communication Manager Bonnie Schnick said. "There isn't an exact date yet. That will be determined by the amount of inventory remaining after the holidays. It will be closed no later than Jan. 31 however."

The company is going to focus on driving customers to its Web site for their purchases. Schnick said the company should emerge a healthier, smaller and more profitable entity.

"We are seeing significant growth in our online sales," Schnick said. "We were in an agreement with Amazon, but we have moved out on our own now and our Web site provides a lot of variety and options that will be popular with readers. People who want to continue to use their discount cards and other promotional materials may do so on the Web site after the store closes.

Schnick said the company still accept gift cards and the Borders Reward Card through its Web site.

Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.