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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A cup of some of the best coffee that Seattle--the city that originated the quintessential coffee experience--has to offer is coming to Arizona this fall. As part of a licensing agreement between Borders Group, Inc. and Seattle's Best Coffee LLC, ten Borders stores throughout the state will feature Seattle's Best Coffee cafes. Under the agreement, more than 400 existing Borders store cafes nationwide will be converted to Seattle's Best Coffee cafes over the next few years. In addition, beginning this year, all new Borders stores will feature Seattle's Best Coffee cafes.

In fact, the 100th Borders store cafe to be converted is an Arizona location in Mesa at 1316 S. Alma School Road. This cafe will re-open as a Seattle's Best Coffee cafe and will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, Oct. 8 complete with:

--A "First Pour" ceremony at 4 p.m., followed immediately by a coffee tasting and a special appearance by the Phantasie String Quartet.

--An appearance by popular young adult author Janette Rallison at 3 p.m.

The nine remaining Arizona Borders cafes that are converting to Seattle's Best Coffee cafes this fall include:

--Glendale at 7320 W. Bell Road, with the cafe grand opening Saturday, Oct. 8

--Chandler at 870 N. 54th St., with the cafe grand opening Saturday, Oct. 8

--Tempe at 699 S. Mill Ave., with the cafe grand opening Saturday, Oct. 8

--Avondale at 10100 W. McDowell Road, with the cafe grand opening Saturday, Oct. 15

--Tucson at 5870 E. Broadway Blvd., with the cafe grand opening Saturday, Oct. 15

--Tucson at 4235 N. Oracle Road, with the cafe grand opening Saturday, Oct. 15

--Phoenix at 2402 E. Camelback Road, with the cafe grand opening Saturday, Nov. 19

--Scottsdale at 7135 E. Camelback Road, a new Borders store to open in November with a Seattle's Best Coffee cafe

--Scottsdale at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., with the cafe grand opening planned for December

"We have enjoyed seeing our relationship with Seattle's Best Coffee develop into a great experience for our company and our customers," said Borders Group Director of Cafe Operations Chris Nichols. "There's a natural connection between a smooth cup of coffee and a fascinating book and we are pleased that our customers can enjoy the best of both in Borders stores."

Like existing Seattle's Best Coffee locations, the cafes at Borders stores in Arizona and around the nation will serve their full line of Seattle's Best Coffee's premium coffee and non-coffee beverages, including lattes, mochas and the JavaKula(TM), Seattle's Best Coffee's signature blended beverage line. In addition, the cafes will offer a fresh food menu, featuring pastries and bakery items, as well the new Oven Song(TM) fresh food program, featuring warm sandwiches. The cafes will also feature select Seattle's Best Coffee merchandise and a variety of whole bean coffees. The cafes feature fun, new graphics celebrating Seattle's Best Coffee's heritage and the lighter side of Seattle coffee culture. The cafes also offer customers comfortable seating to relax while enjoying their smooth cup of coffee.

"We are excited to offer the Seattle's Best Coffee experience to Arizona during our first year of openings in Borders and our 35th anniversary year. We look forward to serving and being part of the communities for years to come," said Director of Operations for Seattle's Best Coffee, Michael Lord.

About Borders Group

Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE:BGP) is a leading global retailer of books, music and movies with 2004 revenues of $3.9 billion. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., the company employs approximately 34,000 people worldwide. Borders Group operates more than 460 Borders superstores and approximately 650 Waldenbooks stores throughout the U.S. In addition, the company operates 48 Borders superstores outside the U.S., as well as 33 Books etc. stores located throughout Great Britain. Borders Group has also acquired Paperchase Products Limited, a leading stationery retailer based in London, England with more than 70 locations in the U.K. Teamed with Amazon.com, online shopping is available through Borders.com (www.borders.com) and Waldenbooks.com (www.waldenbooks.com). More detailed information on the company is available at www.bordersgroupinc.com. Information regarding Borders store locations, in-store events and title reservation is available through www.bordersstores.com.

About Seattle's Best Coffee

Seattle's Best Coffee was first roasted in 1970 and retains a strong link to Seattle coffee culture. Seattle's Best Coffee is available in North America in Company-operated and franchised cafes, licensed cafes in Borders Books and Music(R) stores, in grocery stores, and at foodservice locations such as college campuses, restaurants, hotels and cruise lines. Seattle's Best Coffee features smooth-roasted premium coffees across a broad product portfolio including blends, varietals, organics and flavored coffees that help to satisfy the variety-seeking nature of coffee consumers. Seattle's Best Coffee offers more than 30 whole bean and ground coffees, espresso beverages, JavaKula(TM) signature blended beverage line, Oven Song(TM) warm sandwiches, pastries and select coffee related merchandise.