Barnes & Nobleâ€™s Future: Expansion, Resilience, and What Readers Need to Know

By Benjamin ClarkeLast Updated August 1, 2025

Understanding the Rumors: Is Barnes & Noble Going Out of Business?

Over the past few years, questions and speculation about the fate of Barnes & Noble have circulated widely. As the largest chain bookseller in the United States, any hint of its closure generates significant concern among readers, authors, and local communities. However, current evidence and recent announcements from both the company and industry analysts indicate that Barnes & Noble is not going out of business . Instead, the company is actively expanding, embracing transformation, and introducing new strategies to ensure its relevance in a rapidly evolving retail landscape [1] .

Recent Developments: Growth Instead of Decline

Contrary to closure rumors, Barnes & Noble is experiencing a period of renewed growth. In 2024 alone, the company opened nearly 60 new stores across various states in the U.S., with plans to open more than 60 additional locations in 2025 [1] . This marks a significant turnaround after a decade of little to no physical growth. CEO James Daunt has emphasized the company’s commitment to local communities by empowering individual stores and their booksellers to make more decisions, which has contributed to the brand’s revitalization [2] .

One distinctive aspect of this expansion is the company’s strategy of taking over spaces vacated by other retailers, such as former Bed Bath & Beyond locations. This repurposing of retail real estate helps Barnes & Noble reach new audiences while revitalizing shopping centers and malls [1] .

What Is Driving Barnes & Noble’s Comeback?

The resurgence of Barnes & Noble is rooted in several key strategies:

Local Store Empowerment: The company shifted from a centralized approach to allowing local booksellers to shape the inventory, community events, and unique atmosphere of each store. This has helped reconnect the brand with local tastes and preferences.
Strategic Real Estate: By moving into prominent, previously occupied retail spaces, Barnes & Noble is able to expand cost-effectively and attract existing foot traffic.
Community Engagement: The bookseller now regularly hosts author signings, readings, and launch events, making each location a hub for literary culture and local gatherings.
Acquisitions and Partnerships: In 2023, Barnes & Noble acquired Tattered Cover, another well-known bookseller that had filed for bankruptcy, further strengthening its presence and reach in the industry [2] .

How to Access Barnes & Noble Stores and Services

If you’re interested in visiting a Barnes & Noble location or accessing their services, you can:

Use the official Barnes & Noble website to find a store near you. Simply search for “Barnes & Noble store locator” in your preferred search engine and select the official site to access up-to-date information on locations, hours, and upcoming events.
Contact your local Barnes & Noble bookstore by phone to inquire about inventory, special orders, or community events. Phone numbers for each location are typically listed on the official website.
Keep an eye on local news outlets and the company’s press section for announcements about grand openings, author events, and store launches in your area. These events often feature exclusive promotions and community engagement opportunities.
Sign up for the Barnes & Noble email newsletter through the company’s official website to receive updates on new store openings, special offers, and literary news.

Challenges Facing the Bookselling Industry

The broader bookselling industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, from the rise of e-commerce to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several other major retailers have struggled or closed, including the liquidation of Borders in 2011 and the bankruptcy filings of Books Inc. and Tattered Cover in more recent years [2] . In this context, Barnes & Noble’s survival and growth are particularly noteworthy.

Some industry trackers mention Barnes & Noble alongside other retailers in reports on store closures and bankruptcies. However, it’s important to note that these references are typically part of wider industry analyses and may not indicate current or imminent closure for Barnes & Noble itself [3] . As of mid-2025, the company is expanding rather than contracting.

Practical Steps for Book Lovers and Community Members

If you are concerned about the future of your local Barnes & Noble store or want to support your community’s bookstore, consider these steps:

Shop locally at your nearest Barnes & Noble to help sustain physical bookstores and encourage further investment in your area.
Participate in community events, book clubs, and author signings hosted by your local store. These activities foster a vibrant literary culture and help stores remain community hubs.
Advocate for local literacy programs and partnerships between bookstores and schools or libraries, ensuring ongoing community involvement and support.
Stay informed about industry trends by following reputable news sources and official company updates.

Alternatives and Additional Resources

While Barnes & Noble continues to thrive, you may also wish to explore other options for book buying and reading:

Check out independent bookstores in your region, many of which offer unique selections and personalized recommendations.
Utilize online retailers for hard-to-find titles, but balance your purchases to support local businesses when possible.
Access your public library, which may have partnerships with local booksellers for events and programming.

Key Takeaways

Despite persistent rumors and challenges facing the retail book industry, Barnes & Noble is not going out of business . The company is actively expanding, introducing new stores, and employing innovative strategies to remain a cornerstone of American literary culture [1] [2] . For readers, authors, and communities, this spells continued access to a wide array of books, events, and opportunities for engagement. To find the latest information about your local store or upcoming openings, visit the official Barnes & Noble website or contact your nearest location directly.