Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble to close in downtown Naperville

Burst with Arrow

source: forbes.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

Barnes & Noble, a prominent fixture in downtown Naperville for over 25 years, is set to close its doors on January 21, marking the end of a significant era.

End of an Era

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

The bookstore first opened its doors in 1998, coincidentally around the time Michael Jordan’s memoir, "For the Love of the Game," was released, becoming a lasting part of the community.

Historical Opening

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

Barnes & Noble, with its massive storefront and an upstairs cafe, has been a centerpiece of downtown Naperville, contributing to the vibrant nightlife of the area.

Downtown Landmark

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli acknowledged the store's wonderful 25-year run in the downtown area and expressed confidence in finding an exciting replacement for the space.

Mayor's Reflection

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

While the space is being actively marketed, as stated by Mayor Wehrli, there are currently no confirmed leases for the prominent downtown location.

Active Marketing

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

The property owner paid a substantial $306,731 for the 63,000-square-foot development at the corner of Washington Street and Chicago Avenue for the 2022 tax bill.

Tax Bill Information

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

In the 1990s, Barnes & Noble's presence in downtown Naperville, alongside independent bookstore Anderson's Bookshop, drew comparisons to the bookstore wars depicted in the movie "You've Got Mail."

Comparisons to Bookstore Wars

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

Despite the closure of Barnes & Noble, Anderson's Bookshop, an independent bookstore, remains a downtown fixture, emphasizing the coexistence of different book retail models.

Anderson's Bookshop Continues

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

While the community expresses sadness over the departure of Barnes & Noble, there is excitement about the prospect of a new, beautiful bookstore in Oswego's Prairie Market shopping center, set to open in the spring of 2024.

Anticipation for the Future

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com

Barnes & Noble a prominent fixture

The closure announcement came via an Instagram post, expressing gratitude for 25 years of being the community's bookseller and redirecting readers to a new store in Oswego's Prairie Market shopping center opening in spring 2024.

Closure Announcement

Burst with Arrow

source: newser.com