Barnes & Noble has been round for a few years (since 1873, in accordance with the corporate web site), and has developed considerably all through its historical past. The Very Mannequin of a Fashionable Main Bookstore episode of Ebook Riot’s Annotated podcast delves into this historical past and explores how Barnes & Noble’s affect within the e-book world has ebbed and flowed. The episode additionally introduces one of many firm’s present ventures: the Barnes & Noble idea shops.
One of many idea shops is in Columbia, MD, a mere 45-minute jaunt for me. It opened in fall 2018, so I figured it was excessive time for me to test it out and see the “idea” for myself. My hope was that books could be extra within the highlight, not like the standard shops heaving with toys, video games, and different knick knacks. In an interview with retailer supervisor Jim Jurczak, my hope was affirmed.
“Our main focus is books,” Jurczak mentioned. “Individuals nonetheless need books.”
Though there may be nonetheless loads of non-book merchandise accessible, the general format of the shop makes books the primary attraction. Constructing neighborhood and being aware of the atmosphere are additionally parts of the idea. There are various different little particulars inside the prototypes that the corporate is hoping will give prospects what they’re searching for in a bookstore.
Right here’s a breakdown of the variations you’ll see between a conventional Barnes & Noble and certainly one of its idea shops:
Retailer Measurement and Design
The prototype in Columbia, MD is 17,000 sq. ft, whereas conventional shops may be greater than double in measurement. In line with Reuters, the typical measurement of a Barnes & Noble is 26,000 sq. ft.As a substitute of carpet and tile, the flooring is porcelain that appears identical to wooden.The house feels brighter usually. There are additional giant home windows on the entrance of the shop; the hanging lights have a special tint from the lights in conventional shops; and there may be LED observe lighting that runs constantly throughout the ceiling, versus fluorescent lights spaced among the many ceiling tiles.
Books, Media, and Present Merchandise
The shop may be considerably smaller due to its method to backlist titles. Jurczak defined that the breadth of books is simply as robust as a conventional retailer, however the idea retailer carries fewer copies of every title (round 2-Three).The part of books on native websites and matters is significantly extra strong, and the shop carries native publications (e.g. The Little Patuxent Overview) on consignment.The idea retailer carries no CDs or DVDs, however has an expanded number of vinyl information.The present space has been expanded (notably the candle part) and options everlasting shelving as a substitute of cell fixtures scattered all through the shop.
“The house is getting used extra effectively,” Jurczak defined.
Shelving and Shows
There are two 360-degree “e-book theaters” to focus on new books. The theaters are completely located down the middle of the shop, one on the entrance and one mid-way by way of the house. The shelving models between the theaters are everlasting as nicely. In non-prototype Barnes & Nobles, the octagon shows on the entrance of the shop are on wheels, adopted by cell rectangular tables main in the direction of the again of the shop. Every aisle of cabinets is comprised of a number of shelving bays, however the usage of clear dividers between the bays creates the look of 1 lengthy steady shelf. Shelving in non-concept shops has wooden dividers between the bays.
The 360-degree “e-book theater” on the entrance entrance of the Barnes & Noble idea retailer in Columbia.
Youngsters’s Division
To streamline the youngsters’s part, the idea retailer has no stage space, and the play space is Lego-focused.Youngsters’s toys and items are discovered within the children’ part, not in a separate part of the shop
Cafe
The cafe is situated on the entrance of the shop. The Columbia Barnes & Noble’s cafe is instantly to the appropriate upon strolling by way of the doorway. Cafes in older shops are usually discovered a lot farther away from the entrance doorways.As a substitute of the same old small tables for 2-Four folks with the occasional outlet right here and there, the idea retailer options neighborhood tables with USB ports and electrical shops constructed into the furnishings. As much as 26 folks may be on the desk at a time, charging their electronics.
Know-how
Moderately than inserting an data desk on the heart of the shop, booksellers carry cell tablets permitting them to extra simply assist prospects on the ground. They will do all the pieces from search titles to course of fee transactions.Touchscreen self-serve kiosks are peppered all through the shop, so prospects can discover books on their very own as nicely.
Miscellaneous Observations
The bogs are single-occupancy and in addition characteristic the porcelain “wooden” flooring. Due to Howard County laws, the Columbia retailer is required to supply male-only and female-only bogs. The bogs are unisex in different prototype retailer places.An emphasis is being positioned on serving the neighborhood, particularly the native literary teams, of which there are a lot of. Within the first six months after opening, the shop has already hosted greater than 5 local-author signings.
My total impression of the prototype was constructive. It nonetheless didn’t really feel as intimate as a few of my favourite indie bookstores, however the aesthetics had been extra welcoming and the emphasis on books was evident.
“We’re getting away from the thought of the superstore,” Jurczak advised me, “All shops going ahead will attempt to go away much less of an imprint on the atmosphere.”
This development has confirmed to be true to date in essentially the most not too long ago opened Barnes & Noble shops. A brand new retailer opened on the finish of April 2019 in Fairfax, Va. and at eight,300 sq. ft, it’s the smallest one but.
The corporate plans to open 10 to 15 of those smaller shops in fiscal yr 2019, so there is likely to be one coming your means quickly. If you happen to take a look at one of many prototypes, please share your ideas within the feedback!
We’ve 5 copies of My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite to disclose to Ebook Riot readers! Go right here to enter for an opportunity to win, or simply click on the picture beneath. Good luck!
