Barnes & Noble to close in downtown Naperville

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source: forbes.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com

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

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source: newser.com