Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 07:43     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
I'm surprised by the complaints about the prices. They're just...list prices. My local independent bookstore sells books at list price, too. Even thriftbooks.com type places only seem to sell a few dollars below now - i miss the days of $3.99 used paperbacks.

I think only Amazon and Target still deeply discount new books. And I'll spend an extra few dollars to shop anywhere else.
Anonymous
Post 04/19/2026 17:10     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
I find that different B&N stores now have different books on the front tables and such.

Daunt's approach saved Waterstones.co.uk already. It looks like same approach is helping B&N here. He is CEO of both firms, btw.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2026 22:23     Subject: Re:Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Anonymous wrote:I don't believe the Florida panhandle has a Barnes & Noble, or any bookstores for that matter. I'll need proof.


What an odd thing to say.
30A has this independent bookstore, which I find absolutely delightful:
https://sundogbooks.com/
Anonymous
Post 04/09/2026 16:53     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.


The prices


+1 the prices are insane.


Join the club!


Sure the old pay to save kick. Spend $40 on membership so you can save $2.99 on your $29 book.
Anonymous
Post 04/09/2026 16:49     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.


The prices


+1 the prices are insane.


Join the club!
Anonymous
Post 04/09/2026 16:48     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Love the autonomy the stores are given - the Fairfax B&N has some really fantastic programming and partnerships with schools and everyone who works there is so friendly and helpful. It's a great experience.
Anonymous
Post 04/09/2026 16:42     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.


The premise of You've Got Mail! Fox Books vs Meg Ryan's little book shoppe.
Anonymous
Post 04/05/2026 10:56     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
I still miss Borders. And I did like the Barnes & Noble in Bethesda since it was so huge, but am glad Wonderland has filled the gap for an independent bookstore nearish me.

Like a previous poster I sometimes take pictures of the books that interest me and get them from the library. I do feel a bit guilty since it means the authors themselves are selling fewer copies. It’s not just expense, but that I have no room on my bookshelves for anything else.
Anonymous
Post 04/04/2026 06:08     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
I will continue to support B and N! I remember I was sad when Borders closed and this is the next best thing in my area. I also support the independents and used book stores near me.
Anonymous
Post 04/03/2026 19:23     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.


The prices


Spoken like a Gen Z’er fresh out of high school looking for a high-paying job
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2026 13:10     Subject: Re:Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Anonymous wrote:B&N used to have a huge location in downtown Bethesda. 3 levels. They always seemed quite full, but now it's a furniture store. A local place opened up on the other part of Bethesda (Wonderland Books) and despite being small, they seem to be doing well.

B&N makes good money in children's books, because for the youngers kids they're tactile (pop-up or stuff to touch) and you can't replicate that with an e-book, plus kids like to see and touch books before they decide. For the other stuff (non-kids), they're selling the experience, not the prices, but their prices aren't too bad either, especially if you're a membber and go on a sale day.


The B/N that you are thinking about is now the largest Anthropology. It does have furniture but I wouldn't say it's a furniture store.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2026 12:56     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I've always love B&N. I worked at one in college. It's a large, bookstore -- what is not to like?

I think here was a time when it was perceived as being the enemy of the local independent bookstore, but I think the industry has changed so much thanks to Amazon that it no longer breaks down alone that dichotomy. I still go to local bookstores a lot more often than Barnes & Noble, but I also go to B&N every few months because if I'm running errands somewhere with a giant bookstore, I'm going to wind up popping in that bookstore because I love books. I also often shop for Christmas gifts there because the one I go to happens to have a massive manga and sci-fi section and my spouse and kid love those. None of our local bookstores have those options.


The prices


+1 the prices are insane.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2026 12:54     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
They're the only think stopping Amazon from being a total monopoly, so I support shopping there...though I personally frequent my local indie because I don't have to get on the highway to get to them.

Anonymous
Post 04/02/2026 12:32     Subject: Re:Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
B&N used to have a huge location in downtown Bethesda. 3 levels. They always seemed quite full, but now it's a furniture store. A local place opened up on the other part of Bethesda (Wonderland Books) and despite being small, they seem to be doing well.

B&N makes good money in children's books, because for the youngers kids they're tactile (pop-up or stuff to touch) and you can't replicate that with an e-book, plus kids like to see and touch books before they decide. For the other stuff (non-kids), they're selling the experience, not the prices, but their prices aren't too bad either, especially if you're a membber and go on a sale day.
Anonymous
Post 04/02/2026 12:02     Subject: Resurgence of Barnes & Noble
Anonymous wrote:I read a lot but I am surprised it's doing well. Books are so expensive. I go there often with dd and sometimes will buy a book for her (mostly new releases) but most of the time I take a pic of books I want to read and then get them from the library when I get home.


I couldn't tell you the last time I bought a book at B&N. I only buy from independent book stores, and they are expensive, but I think it's important to support them since they are few and far between.