The nation's two largest book chains reported their sales for the nine week holiday period last week, and the results were relatively strong for Borders, and weaker for Barnes & Noble.  Same store sales were up 2.4% at Borders superstores, and even up .2% at Waldenbooks stores.  At Barnes & Noble, comparable store sales were down .4%, with music performing even worse than expected. 

Solid sales growth was not enough to enhance profitability at Borders.  The company said it expected its earnings to be flat to down for the quarter due to the promotional pricing it took to drive sales during the intensely competitive holiday season. 

At Barnes & Noble, earnings guidance was lowered 6% due to the lower sales, although it remains higher than it was at the beginning of the year due to stronger performances in the first three quarters.