Barnes & Noble is turning the page on a new chapter, one marked by growth, community, and the revival of the in-store reading experience. After years of contraction in the shadow of online retail, the bookseller is now thriving, with plans to open over 60 new stores in 2025, signaling a dramatic reversal in the book retail landscape.
So far, 23 new stores have opened across states like Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California. And many more are coming before year’s end. The success, according to Barnes & Noble, stems from a strategic return to local control, giving individual stores the freedom to curate and serve their own communities.
“Our booksellers are knowledgeable and can provide a dedicated customer service to the in-store shopper,” a company spokesperson said. “We’re experiencing strong sales and growing fast.”
This expansion coincides with broader cultural trends. Post-pandemic, Americans are seeking “third spaces”, venues that aren’t work or home and bookstores, especially those with cafés and social corners, are stepping in to fill that gap. Spaces like Book Club Bar in NYC or Lovestruck Books in Boston are blending literature with lifestyle.
And there’s no ignoring the #BookTok phenomenon, which continues to drive new generations into bookstores, fueling both fiction sales and fandoms around specific authors.
Barnes & Noble Store Count (as of mid-2025):
- 23 new locations have already opened
- 40+ more stores expected in states including California, Texas, Florida, and Maryland
- 600+ total stores across the U.S.
As the company leans into localism, social engagement, and curated customer experiences, it’s not just surviving; it’s redefining what a bookstore can be.
Looking for a store near you? A full list of new Barnes & Noble locations is available on their official site.
Posted: July 10, 2025
By America Publishers News Desk
