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Is it too late for a new store concept from Barnes & Noble?

Written by RetailWire Staff

Photo: Barnes & Noble

It's long been apparent that in order to become relevant again to today's readers, Barnes & Noble must change something. Now, to get customers coming through the doors again, the last big box bookstore chain standing is trying to revive its appeal as a gathering place. The chain is launching a 17,400 square-foot prototype store in the Chicago suburbs which is meant to have more of a café vibe than the existing Barnes & Noble stores, according to The Real Deal. The concept will have what the chain is calling "book theater" displays, meant to draw customers to check out new books. The new store will also feature oak bookshelves, a woodgrain floor and an expanded area for events and book signings. Barnes & Noble looks to be courting parents, as well, as the new concept features an experiential section for kids featuring plush chairs and Lego playsets. Barnes & Noble is opening six of the concept stores nationwide, according to Patch. The near 700 currently-operating mainline Barnes & Noble locations vary in size from 3,000-square-feet to 60,000-square-feet, with an average store size of around 26,000 square feet, according to Reuters. So, the new concept runs on the smaller side of what the bookstore chain tends to offer. Despite the size and added amenities, it's not clear if the new concept represents a radical enough change to turn the tide for Barnes & Noble. And by the time the chain assesses the format, there may be someone else making the decisions. Early in October, Barnes & Noble announced that it had named a board committee to entertain bids from those interested in purchasing the chain, according to CNBC, news that led to a stock rally.  Earlier this year, slipping sales at Barnes & Noble during the crucial 2017 holiday season — and despite increases in traffic to indie bookstores over the same period — led to some other big changes at the chain. In February, the company announced it was shifting its labor model and eliminating store staff positions. 

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