The opening of Borders Books and Music, 2520 Sycamore Road, was a success despite a few troublesome leaflets showing up, Borders general manager John Podulka said.

The store racked up more than 3,000 separate transactions over the weekend, making the Geneva store’s opening weekend the only opening with an equivalent turnout.

“There were times where the crowd was just absolutely wild,” Podulka said.

He had to bring out additional seating in the cafe area of the store to accommodate the crowds.

However, some people were not excited about the store’s opening.

Several leaflets were found placed around the store with headlines saying “boycott Borders,” Podulka said. He added that some of the leaflets had text that had been removed and taken out of context from Thursday’s Northern Star articles about the store.

“The use of the leaflets wasn’t very nice, but certainly a human reaction and understandable,” Podulka said. “I understand that some of the area businesses get a little nervous.”

Podulka said he thinks that most businesses soon will see that all of the stores can prosper and that DeKalb can support the businesses.

“I understand that even The House (263 E. Lincoln Highway) was a little nervous, but I don’t know why,” he said. “They’ve got a wonderful place and can offer so many different things, including a full menu. Plus, they’ve got a nice jazz stage.”

Podulka doesn’t think Borders will cause financial troubles for any local businesses.

“Most of the people coming here are the people who drive to Borders stores in other towns like Rockford and Naperville,” he said.

Podulka believes the turnout during the store’s opening weekend could be indicative of the future of the DeKalb Borders.

“The Geneva opening was similar in turnout, and that store has had solid business ever since,” Podulka said.