After years of bookstore closures and digital dominance, Barnes & Noble is turning a page on a significant expansion. The iconic American bookseller announced plans to open over 60 new stores across the U.S. by the end of 2025. The expansion, which marks a significant reversal for the company after more than 15 years of contraction, will see many stores springing up in a variety of new locations.
In a release dated February, the company linked its growth to the success of its strategy to give local booksellers greater control over the operations of individual stores. “Barnes & Noble is enjoying a period of tremendous growth as the strategy to hand control of each bookstore to its local booksellers has proven so successful,” reads the statement.
Sales growth
Increased store openings follow what the company has termed a period of “strong sales” at existing stores. Indeed, the total number of stores opened by this bookseller in 2024 was greater than that opened over the entire decade from 2009 to 2019.
Twelve new stores have opened since the beginning of 2025, and this new store has kept the tradition of offering books, toys, games, and gifts. Many of the new stores will also include the Barnes & Noble Café, allowing customers to enjoy some refreshment while they shop.
New locations will already be open in 2025
For those wondering if a new Barnes & Noble could be opening nearby, here are the locations of the stores that have launched since the beginning of 2025:
- Brentwood, California – 2475 Sand Creek Rd.
- Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania – 720 W. Lancaster Ave.
- Bellevue, Washington – 1140 Bellevue Square
- North Canton, Ohio – 5501 Dressler Rd.
- Gainesville, Virginia – 8139 Stonewall Shops Square
- Grand Rapids, Michigan – 2236 E. Beltline Ave NE
- Houston, Texas – 12850 Memorial Drive
- Huntington Station, New York – 301 Walt Whitman Rd.
- Issaquah, Washington – 775 NW Gilman Blvd.
- Naples, Florida – 4149 Tamiami Trail N.
- Papillion, Nebraska – 7949 Towne Center Pkwy
- Superior, Colorado – 550 Marshall Rd.
- Tequesta, Florida – 151 N. US Highway 1
What does this mean for book buyers?
This growth indicates the return of physical bookstores and the resurgence of interest in the in-person experience of buying books. Barnes & Noble must have thought that empowering local managers to curate the selection and create spaces that foster a sense of community was the way to go.
While the company has yet to respond to a request for further comment, it’s clear: Bookstores are not just surviving; they are thriving.
If you love the experience of browsing bookshelves, sipping a latte at the cafe, or just shopping for gifts, keep an eye open; a new Barnes & Noble may be coming to a neighborhood near you.
