I want to comment from the New Zealand point of view, with regard to
Borders.  Borders here have an excellent selection of stock.  Second only
to the longstanding local store, Marbecks.  Because they import direct from
the US it is in some instances a lot cheaper than Marbecks.  With regard to
the staff, most of them are young people who do not have a lot of knowledge
about Classical Music.  However as I said before, the stock selection is
the second best in Auckland and If I am after a partcular US CD I go there
rather than Marbecks.  If However I am after advice about purchasing a
particular recording then I would go to Marbecks, our local Classical
Store.  As they have a lot of knowledge.

Regards
Stuart Sinclair