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Barnes & Noble is in the middle of a major comeback, opening dozens of new bookstores across the country. However, not every location is staying open. A handful of stores are closing or relocating in 2026, largely because of expiring leases, redevelopment projects, or moves to newer locations. If your local Barnes & Noble is on the list, here’s what you should know, and why the company says these closures don’t signal a broader decline.
Why Are Some Barnes & Noble Stores Closing?
Unlike the widespread closures the company experienced years ago, today’s shutdowns are mostly tied to individual circumstances rather than financial struggles. Barnes & Noble says many stores are closing because leases have expired or shopping centers are being redeveloped. At the same time, the retailer is investing heavily in new stores across the U.S., opening about 60 locations in 2026 alone.
California Closures
California has seen several changes this year. The longtime Redwood City location is scheduled to close after its lease was terminated. Earlier in the year, the San Bruno store also shut its doors. Despite those closures, Barnes & Noble plans to open several new California stores later this year, including locations in Cupertino and Fremont, reflecting the company’s strategy of replacing older sites with newer ones.
New York and New Jersey Changes
Some locations in the Northeast are also changing. The Nanuet, New York bookstore closed after more than three decades in business. Meanwhile, the Livingston Mall location in New Jersey is expected to close as part of a redevelopment project, with Barnes & Noble planning to relocate nearby rather than leave the community entirely.
Other Locations That Have Closed or Relocated
Other reported closures or relocations during 2026 include stores in Pembroke Pines, Florida; Portland, Oregon; Stamford, Connecticut; Atlanta and Cobb County, Georgia; and Livingston, New Jersey. Some of these stores are permanently closing, while others are moving to newer, nearby retail locations with updated layouts and improved shopping experiences.
The Company Is Actually Growing
Although a handful of stores are closing, Barnes & Noble is expanding much faster than it is shrinking. The retailer plans to open 60 new stores in 2026, marking its third consecutive year of significant expansion. Company leaders say the strategy focuses on opening stores in growing communities while modernizing older locations when possible.
What’s Behind Barnes & Noble’s Comeback?
Barnes & Noble has benefited from renewed interest in physical books, helped by trends like BookTok and Bookstagram. CEO James Daunt has also given local managers greater freedom to tailor book selections to their communities, creating a more personalized shopping experience that many readers say they enjoy.
What Should Customers Expect?
When a Barnes & Noble location closes, shoppers may see clearance sales offering discounts on books, games, stationery, and gifts before the final day of business. Employees are often given opportunities to transfer to nearby stores, particularly when a closure is tied to a relocation rather than a permanent exit from the market.
How to Find Out If Your Store Is Affected
The easiest way to confirm whether your local Barnes & Noble is closing or relocating is by checking the company’s website or contacting the store directly. Stores typically post notices well in advance, and Barnes & Noble often announces replacement locations when relocations are planned. While several stores are closing this year, most communities continue to have nearby locations or will soon receive new ones.
A Few Closures, But a Much Bigger Expansion
Seeing a favorite bookstore close can be disappointing, but Barnes & Noble’s overall direction is one of growth rather than contraction. The company is closing a relatively small number of locations while opening dozens of new stores nationwide. For many readers, that means the bookstore chain’s next chapter may actually include more locations, updated stores, and a renewed focus on creating welcoming places for book lovers to gather.