Along with a wide selection of kidlit in its children’s department, book retailer Borders is making a concerted effort to bring more toys and games into its 500-plus superstores across the US.

Brands that promote discovery, creativity and build cognitive skills were top of mind for the chain’s retail buyers, including Melissa & Doug, Lego, Playmobil, Scientific Explorer. Borders will also be staffing the children’s department with a dedicated kids’ specialist to answer questions and make toy, game and book recommendations.

Additionally, the retailer has created a picture book feature wall to make shopping easier for parents, and moved books for Independent Readers (kids eight to 12) to their own section adjacent to the children’s department.

Meanwhile, Borders continues to work on building the boutique-like Borders Ink Teen Shops within most of its superstores, featuring YA, graphic novel and manga titles with trendy products, such as Twilight merch and lifestyle brands. It’s also communicating with teens about books and other topics through a Borders Ink Facebook page.

For more information, visit www.Borders.com/toysandgames.