News Summary
Barnes & Noble is set to open its first new store in Phoenix in two decades. The grand opening on June 25 will feature a new bookstore, café, and community space, marking a significant expansion for the company amidst recent closures. This store, located in The Shops at Town & Country, aims to revive the local bookstore culture and provide a welcoming atmosphere for book lovers and the community. The company’s CEO expresses enthusiasm about this new venture, highlighting the positive response from booksellers and café staff eager to connect with customers.
Phoenix to Welcome Barnes & Noble’s First New Store in 20 Years
Barnes & Noble is set to make a significant return to the Phoenix area by opening its first new store in two decades on June 25, 2025. This highly anticipated grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new location situated in The Shops at Town & Country retail center, located at 2011 E. Camelback Road. The new store is noteworthy for occupying an 18,500-square-foot space that was previously home to Forever 21.
New Store Details
The forthcoming store is designed to enhance the local bookstore landscape, offering a welcoming environment for book lovers and community members alike. This opening marks a pivotal change for Barnes & Noble, a company that has largely focused on store closures over the past 15 years. However, recent developments indicate a turnaround as the company embarks on an expansion initiative.
As part of the new store experience, patrons can enjoy a Barnes & Noble café that will serve Starbucks coffee, making it a dual destination for both reading and relaxation. This new establishment will be the 12th Barnes & Noble location in the metro Phoenix area, illustrating the company’s continued investment in the region.
Context and Background
James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter for the bookstore chain. The significance of this opening resides not only in its first foray into new store openings in 20 years, but also in the renewed excitement reflected among the company’s booksellers and café baristas, who are eager to engage with the community and welcome customers to the new hub.
The decision to open a new store comes amid a challenging landscape for brick-and-mortar retailers. Forever 21, the previous occupant of the space, ceased operations in late January and is reportedly contemplating filing for a second bankruptcy. This transition exemplifies both the struggles within the retail sector and the strategic pivot that Barnes & Noble is undertaking as it seeks to reclaim its position as an integral part of the community.
Historically, Barnes & Noble has navigated a turbulent retail environment characterized by shrinking consumer interest in physical bookstores, pressuring many locations to close. The company’s recent expansion movement contrasts sharply with its earlier strategies and signifies an adaptive response to changing market dynamics.
Conclusion
The much-anticipated opening of Barnes & Noble’s new store in Phoenix on June 25 is a momentous event for both the company and its customers. As bookstores continue to evolve in the digital age, this new location promises to be a vital space for book enthusiasts while contributing to the local economy and community spirit.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Phoenix New Times
- Wikipedia: Barnes & Noble
- ABC15
- Google Search: Barnes & Noble Phoenix store opening
- AZ Central
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Trade
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
