Barnes & Noble plans over 60 new store openings this year, including flagship return in Washington, D.C

Barnes & Noble is expanding rapidly, planning over 60 new store openings this year. This includes the return of its flagship store in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., which had been closed since 2013. Under CEO James Daunt, the company shifted its focus to individual store management and customer preferences, moving away from a centralized model. This change has led to increased foot traffic, with visits up 7% since 2019. The rise of BookTok, a TikTok community focused on book recommendations, has also boosted Barnes & Noble's popularity. The company has embraced this trend by hosting events and creating displays based on BookTok recommendations, enhancing customer engagement.