Iconic bookstore Barnes & Noble that was wildly popular in the 1990s is continuing its comeback, with more than 60 brick-and-mortar stores planned across the U.S. in 2026 including one in Illinois.
“For 2026, we are planning to open another 60 stores across the country, not only entering new markets, but to return to those we once served,” a statement from the company sent to NBC Chicago said. “Barnes & Noble is enjoying a period of tremendous growth as the strategy to hand control of each bookstore to its local booksellers has proven so successful. We are experiencing strong sales in our existing stores and have been opening many new stores after more than 15 years of declining store numbers.”
States where store leases are confirmed for 2026, Barnes & Noble said, include Ohio, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, Washington state, Washington D.C., California, Virginia and Georgia…