• April 17, 2008

The struggling book chain says it is readying 14 "new concept" stores, with the first to open this year in Wareham, Mass.

Describing the 25,000-plus-square-foot store as a "retail breakthrough," the company says it will bring together "digital and Internet options with a fresh new look," including such in-store services as a Digital Center, where customers can "mix and make their own CDs, download books and music to publish their own books, explore their family history, and create photo books."

The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based company--which has faced liquidity problems and has said it may put itself up for sale--recently closed on additional financing.

--Sarah Mahoney