Summary (tl;dr)

Barnes & Noble is experiencing a notable expansion, opening dozens of new locations annually across the United States, yet keywords like "barnes and noble closing stores" are trending due to the closure of a few long-standing stores, primarily driven by expiring leases or property redevelopments.

Essential Background

Barnes & Noble, the largest national chain of bookstores in the U.S., faced significant challenges in the early 2000s due to the rise of e-commerce and digital reading, leading to numerous store closures and financial difficulties. The company's sales peaked in 2008 before experiencing a sharp decline, forcing the closure of approximately 150 stores nationwide over several years. In 2019, Barnes & Noble was acquired by Elliott Advisors and taken private, ushering in a new strategy under CEO James Daunt, who focused on revitalizing the in-store experience and granting more autonomy to local store managers in curating their inventory.

The Full Story

Despite individual store closures generating online searches, Barnes & Noble is currently in the midst of a significant growth phase, opening a substantial number of new bookstores across the country. In 2025, the company opened 67 new stores, following 61 new openings in 2024 and around 30 in 2023, with plans to add 60 more locations in 2026. This expansion is attributed to a renewed interest in reading, partly fueled by online communities like #BookTok, and the company's efforts to create inviting, community-focused spaces.

However, the "barnes and noble closing stores" trend reflects recent announcements of several long-standing locations shutting their doors. These closures, such as stores in Nanuet, New York; Pembroke Pines, Florida; Redwood City, California; and Portland, Oregon, are primarily due to expired leases or broader redevelopment projects impacting their current locations, rather than a decline in the company's overall health. In some instances, these closures are accompanied by plans for new Barnes & Noble stores to open nearby or within the same region, representing relocations rather than a complete market exit.

Why It Matters

The trending keyword highlights a disconnect between Barnes & Noble's aggressive national expansion and the local impact of individual store closures. For communities losing a Barnes & Noble, particularly long-established ones, it marks the end of a cultural hub and a significant retail presence. While the company's overall growth signifies a "bookstore renaissance" and a successful adaptation to modern retail challenges, individual closures can still evoke nostalgia and concern among local patrons who view these stores as vital community gathering places. The closures also underscore the ongoing evolution of the retail landscape, where even thriving businesses must adapt to changing property leases and urban development.

Geographic Location

• Nanuet, Rockland County, New York, United States (Barnes & Noble at Rockland Plaza closing due to expired lease)
• Pembroke Pines, Broward County, Florida, United States (Barnes & Noble Pembroke Gardens closing due to expired lease)
• Waterbury, New Haven County, Connecticut, United States (Barnes & Noble store closing)
• San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, United States (Barnes & Noble at Shops at Tanforan closed)
• Redwood City, San Mateo County, California, United States (Barnes & Noble at Sequoia Station closing due to terminated lease)
• Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, United States (Barnes & Noble at Lloyd Center closed after 25 years)
• Livingston, Essex County, New Jersey, United States (Barnes & Noble Livingston Mall location closed for relocation)
• Commack, Suffolk County, New York, United States (new Barnes & Noble store opening after previous Jericho Turnpike location closed in 2024)